Asela Sampath, National Organizer of the All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association, Convener of Public Rights Protection Movement, was abducted by a group of persons in a white van, today’s (25) evening, said Senaka Perera, Attorney-at-Law, Chairman of the Committee to Protect Prisoners’ Rights.
Asela Sampath was abducted from his residence in Pelanwatta, Kottawa this evening by about 20 plainclothes men claiming that the are CID officers. Asela’s family have identified the vehicle number of the abducted vehicle and he has not been taken to the CID yet (9.30 pm), said Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera.
Asela Sampath, a father of four, has been raised his voice about the government’s harassment of the public over the past few days. He had been arrested few months ago over his criticism of the Rs. 1000 relief package provided by Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena,
Recently, he had questioned State Minister Channa Jayasumana regarding the Covid vaccine. Minister has sent a letter of demand that requesting Rs 500 million, to Asela Sampath alleging that the state minister was severely insulted by Asela’s comment. He has also lodged a complaint with the CID.
In the context, Asela Sampath has been abducted. His daughter has gone to the Piliyandala police station to lodge a complaint about her father’s abduction.
June 26, the International Day for the Support of Victims of Torture, is just a few hours away. How tragic is it that such an abduction can take place in such a context?
-Shani-