Demonstrators demand govt's resignation

[TamilNet, Saturday, 30 June 2001, 20:25 GMT]
Several hundred supporters of Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) held demonstrations in all 38 electorates of the Western Province, including capital Colombo, Saturday, demanding the resignation of the People's Alliance Government. "The Government has no moral right to be in power anymore as it has lost the confidence of the people. We will force this government out of power with the support of the masses," said Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe addressing picketers at Armour Street junction in Colombo.

Demonstrations were held from about 10 a.m. till 12 noon as a part of an island wide campaign launched by the UNP to mobilize support of the people to oust the PA government.

Several UNP Parliamentarians led the demonstrations in other electorates. Gamini Atukorale, Assistant Leader of UNP, addressing supporters at Borella junction said "some ruling party parliamentarians are expected to vote with the opposition to defeat the PA government. No one can help the government now."

Reports reaching Colombo said that several hundred people participated in demonstrations and picketing held in other electorates of the Western Province.

No serious incidents were reported during demonstrations and picketing, police sources said.