UNP Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake told Asian Mirror that those who attacked the UNP MP delegation at the training school of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority were workers of the SLPA who were affiliated with a SLFP trade union.

“The visit was a surprise one and the henchmen of the government did not have time to ‘import’ goons from outside,” Karunanayake said adding it was actually some staff members of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority who invited them to visit the training school premises and conduct inspection. The staff members who contacted the UNP parliamentarians, according to Karunanayake, were disappointed with developments on the ground.

 “First we were warmly welcomed by officials of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and later we were attacked. It was clear that those who attacked us were acting under the instruction of some parties,” he also added.

The Parliamentarian, who led the UNP MP delegation to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, said they had received information that resources of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority were being used for propaganda activities targeting the forthcoming presidential election.

“We went to see whether the allegations were true. And we clearly saw as to how state resources were being used for propaganda activities of the government. Apart from that, workers of the state sector are being used for such activities. This is completely illegal,” he said.

Several people who were inside the pelted stones at the UNP MP delegation and attacked their vehicles. None of the UNP parliamentarians received injuries due to the attack. However, several vehicles were damaged due to the incident.