Following the arrest of civil society activist Shehan Malaka Gamage by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) yesterday (14), National Catholic Social Communication Centre Director Rev. Cyril Gamini Fernando raised concerns about whether a ‘white van’ culture is on the rise again.
“All Gamage did was raise a voice seeking justice for victims of the Easter Sunday terror attacks. We are all critical of the delay in serving justice for these victims. His arrest leads us to suspect as to whether a ‘white van’ culture is on the rise again as he was arrested by those claiming to be CID officers who had come in a white van, while he was on the road,” said Fernando.
He emphasised that this “culture” should not have a place in Sri Lanka or in a democratic country, adding that the freedoms of speech and expression are fundamental rights. “This includes the right to be critical of the Government,” he added.
“As always, we demand that justice be served to the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks through the Attorney General’s Department, without political influence. We remind the Government that such actions do not get rid of the unhappiness in the minds of the people. Is the Government dragging Sri Lanka into an authoritarian State?” questioned Fernando.
A video, recorded by Gamage and released at the time of his arrest, shows his conversation with the CID officers at the time of his arrest. When he questioned the officers as to the reason for his arrest, the video features faint audio of an officer saying that he is being arrested under Section 120 of the Penal Code (exciting or attempting to excite disaffection). Gamage further mentions that he was taken while he was on the road, by officers in a white van. Further footage also features audio of people questioning as to how Gamage is still in possession of his phone, to which he replies that he will only hand over the phone once he signs the document to officially hand it over. “I will face what comes,” he added.
Speaking to The Morning, Police Media Spokesperson and Attorney-at-Law Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nihal Thalduwa said that the arrest of Gamage was made due to a statement made back in 2021 with regard to the Easter Sunday attacks. “Gamage’s arrest was made by the CID in connection to the statement he had made about the Easter Sunday attacks. He claims that he does not know, but he knows very well,” claimed Thalduwa.
Gamage was summoned for a statement by the CID in 2021 as well, over comments he had made regarding the Easter Sunday terror attacks.