President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has accused two television channels of contributing to what he described as artificial unrest against the government’s crackdown on corruption, drug trafficking and organised crime, while referring to a past drug-related allegation involving a relative of the owner of one channel.
Addressing the National People’s Power (NPP) women’s rally in Badulla on Sunday (October 18), the President alleged that individuals who had previously benefited from corruption, drug trafficking and organised criminal networks were becoming increasingly concerned about the government’s efforts to dismantle them.
He claimed that certain groups were attempting to create unrest through two television channels, despite there being no significant unrest at the grassroots level.
The President also referred to a past allegation involving a relative of the owner of one television channel, citing a statement allegedly made by a former police spokesman during a previous administration.
According to Dissanayake, the former police spokesman had publicly claimed that the brother of a television channel owner had received money from notorious drug trafficker Wele Suda.
He emphasised that the allegation had been made under a previous government and was not a new accusation originating from his administration.
The President did not name either of the two television channels he accused of contributing to unrest.
He further alleged that criminal networks in Sri Lanka had historically included politicians, individuals engaged in illicit business activities, underworld figures and elements within the media.
According to the President, individuals who had benefited from these networks through money, vehicles, houses and other forms of support were now attempting to obstruct the government’s crackdown.
He claimed that these groups feared the NPP government’s continued efforts would threaten their interests.
Dissanayake reiterated that dismantling drug trafficking and organised criminal networks was essential to creating a safer country for children. (Newswire)
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