Sajith urges probe on Swiss Embassy employee abduction; expresses concern over media freedom

Breaking his week-long silence, United National Party Parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa has called for an impartial investigation into the abduction of a Swiss Embassy employee and undue pressure being exerted on certain journalists.

“The people who do not represent the government’s ideologies should also be allowed to live in peace,” Mr. Premadasa, who lost the presidential poll to Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in a statement.

Pointing out that such incidents are contrary to the pledges made by Rajapaksa during the election, he urged the government to desist from manoeuvering the state apparatus towards engaging in acts of revenge.

"The abduction of a Swiss Embassy employee is a black day in the history of diplomatic relations," Premadasa stated.

He observed that subjecting journalists to undue pressure is going against the freedom of expression and the right to information, strengthened under the previous government.

The parliamentarian said it is unfair to criticise a government immediately after coming into power as it needs time to fulfill its mandate. However, he said that the Opposition can no longer remain silent in the face of certain incidents that are taking place.

"Some incidents had created fear among the society," he pointed out while calling on President Rajapaksa and his government to bring these issues under their attention.