COLOMBO (News 1st); Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, the Spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Colombo on Monday (14) expressed concern over the return of the white van culture in Sri Lanka.Commenting on the arrest of Activist Shehan Malaka Gamage, he noted that the activist was arrested by force by a group who arrived in a white van and claimed to be personnel from the Criminal Investigations Department.“We cannot approve this conduct, as such a culture is not something that is good for democracy,” he warned.“Everyone has the freedom to speak and express.
That is a fundamental right of every person,” he said adding, that however, there appears to be an emergence of a culture where people are arrested and detained for criticizing the state.Rev.