Amid Sri Lankan political turmoil, UNP to 'fast until death'

United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam informed that the party will be holding a series of protests and fasts until death in order to express their disapproval against what it called an "unconstitutional instate of a new government."

Kariyawasam further said the protests will be held in Kandy on November 24, in Kalutara on November 27, in Colombo on December 3 and at Kiribathgoda on December 4, 2018.

The UNP General Secretary accused the state officers who approved spending for new ministers saying they would be answerable for the illegal acts. He mentioned, "There is no legal value for the spending carried out by the ministries as there is no government at the moment as announced by the Speaker," the Daily Mirror reported.

The trade unions and professionals supporting UNP were supposed to hold Sathyagraha at the Vihara Maha Devi Park today [November 21]. This would be converted to fast until death if the need arises, notified UNP MP Ajith P Perera.

Further defending the decision to submit a motion to stop the expenditure head of new Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Mr. Perera was quoted saying that it was fully legal as it is Parliament which has the power over all spending as per Article 148 of the Constitution.

"Minister Wimal Weerawansa has challenged us to show majority support and we asked for an appointment from President to do so. However, we have not been allowed to show the majority in the form of affidavits and our physical presence," Perera added.

Sri Lanka has witnessed a turbulent political ever since President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26 abruptly sacked then-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed the now-ousted Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country's former President, as the new premier.