President intervenes on behalf of Wijeweera’s family

President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed relevant authorities to allow the family of the late Rohana Wijeweera, founding leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), to stay six more months at a house belonging to the Welisara navy camp.

Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) spokesman Commander Indika de Silva stated that the President had taken the decision following discussions with the national security council.

Wijeweera’s family, who have been living at the navy camp quarters since the ex-JVP leader’s death in 1989, were asked to hand over the house back to the navy by October 01 due to the prevailing peaceful environment in the country.

They were notified on this decision in January, the navy said.

However, the President’s attention had been drawn to this matter due to requests made through the media and other mentions and after consulting the security council he had instructed that they be allowed to stay for six more months from October 01, the spokesman said.

Commander de Silva further said that neither Wijeweera’s wife nor members of his family have made a request for the continued use of the house in question.