politicians.

Countering the opposition Rajitha Senaratna (Minister of Lands) pointed out that facts and statistics are in contrary to what is cited in the no-confidence motion.

"According to the report on crime in Sri Lanka the crime rate has decreased when compared with the previous year. The number of murders and abductions have seen a 10% and 15% decrease when compared from January to June in 2001 and 2002".

He rejected any form of political victimisation in work places. "Until last week the director board of the Kalutara bus company was the one appointed by the PA regime. We were not able to change it till last week. Where does this victimisation exist", he questioned.

Moving on to political violence he charged that former Minister Mangala Samaraweera had ordered his security toshoot at the supporters of Sagala Ratnayaka during the last general election campaign. "In Udathalawinna 10 youths and supporters of SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem were murdered in cold blood. This is violence and a breakdown in law and order."

"In Maturata officers of the PSD were arrested with a large haul of weapons including a grenade launcher and with vehicles bearing fake number plates." He said that the OIC of the Mathurata police was threatened with death and called a dog by PSD Chief Nihal Karunaratne.

Lashing out at the opposition he reminded how a UNP protest in Town Hall was attacked by the PSD. "The journalists who came to cover the event were attacked and their cameras smashed. The cellular phone of one of the photographers were later found