JVP used child soldiers to assassinate political opponents even before the LTTE – MP Rohini Kumari Wijeratne
In a recent address at a women’s meeting of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the Laggala constituency, Matale District MP Rohini Kumari Wijeratne made bold accusations against the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) claiming that, even before the LTTE, the JVP was responsible for using child soldiers to assassinate political opponents. She referenced a notable example, “Bonikki,” a 13-year-old child, to illustrate her point.
The meeting held on Sunday (18) at the Nawula-Arangala Cultural Center, was to ensure victory for Sajith Premadasa at the upcoming Presidential Election. Ms Wijeratne also recalled how the JVP had planted a bomb near the Temple of the Tooth and started a wave of political assassinations by killing a 70-year-old woman.
She further accused the JVP of hypocrisy, stating, “Now they talk about the need for free and fair elections, but in 1988 they were responsible for 681 political assassinations during the Presidential Election and 84 killings on the day of the 1989 General Election.” She criticised their actions, recalling the brutal murder of schoolteacher Rambanda at Pallegama School for not allowing children to join their protests.
Ms Wijeratne also highlighted the trauma experienced by women during the JVP’s insurgency. She shared a disturbing account of a woman in Galewela whose sister was allegedly raped by JVP members. In addition, she recalled how the women of Leloya had their hair forcibly cut as a means of intimidation.
In her emotional speech, Ms Wijeratne called on the public to reject the JVP in the upcoming elections, saying, “The people of this country will not support those who once terrorised them into hiding in fear. We need a leader such as Sajith Premadasa to lead this country forward and win the trust of not just women, but the entire nation”.
She urged the public to vote for Sajith Premadasa on September 21, saying, “Let’s elect him as the President and lead this country to victory, not just for women but for the entire nation”.
Ms Wijeratne was joined by Gampaha District MP Sudarshani Fernandopulle, who also expressed her support for Premadasa. She noted that, after resigning from her position as the State Minister for COVID-19, she joined the Opposition due to disagreements with the government’s policies. Fernandopulle praised Premadasa’s leadership and dedication to the welfare of the country.
Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya National Organiser Hirunika Premachandra, also spoke at the event, stressing that Premadasa is the ideal leader to guide the country towards a better future. She criticised the government’s economic policies, which she said had worsened the lives of ordinary people, despite their claims of improvement.
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