Thursday, 16 February 2012The attempt by the government to silence the relatives of Anthony Fernando who died after the military had shot at him during a protest against the fuel price hike has failed.
Although SSP Pujith Wijesundera had arrived at Fernando’s residence with a politician from the area and handed a cheque for Rs. 500,000 to the family members, they had refused to accept it. The politician had said that the funeral would be carried out at state expense and that the government would take responsibility for the futures of Fernando’s two children and wife. He had asked the family members to remain silent until the funeral is concluded.Angered by the incident, Fernando’s brother in-law, Stanley Kumara and the relatives have chased away the politician and his supporters from the house.
Security has now been tightened in the Chilaw and Negombo areas.
