Arson attack on anti-DCD activist’s house 

August 23, 2013, 9:39 pm

Dr. (Mrs.) Ajantha Perera examines part of her residence which was fire bombed on Thursday noon by unknown attackers.(Pic. By Kamal Bogoda)

By Norman Plaihawadana

Unidentified persons set fire to a window at Dr. (Mrs) Ajantha Perera’s house in Rattanapitiya, at noon on Thursday.

She said that members of the household were away at the time of the incident.

Dr. Perera, who is a vehement campaigner against contaminated milk powder is also the Chairperson of the Association of Consumer Action and Consumer representative of the Food Advisory Committee at the Health Ministry.

Asked whether she suspected anyone, Dr. Perera told The Island that it could be the work of some elements who wanted to stop her campaign against contaminated milk powder. She added that she would not yield to threats. "I will continue my campaign against unethical and fraudulent practices and would not resign from any committee however big the threat is and no one can influence my decisions," she said.

Dr. Perera is also a leading environmentalist who has grappled with a number of burning issues which have been detrimental to the country.

Boralesgamuwa police investigating the incident have so far drawn a blank.

Were Returning Officers (GAs) asleep?

August 23, 2013

I am astounded by the Election Commissioner’s toothless threat to deny gazetting to elected candidates who have not declared their assets. I’ll eat my hat if he can ever do this.

What he should have done is to have instructed the Returning Officers [GAs] to reject all nominations that did not attach a declaration of assets. In any case, GAs should have done so as they are, presumably, aware of this requirement.