The people of Seru Kale, especially the United National Party supporters in the Puttalam area complained of political violence to Milinda Moragoda when he met them during the “listening campaign”, which begun a few months ago.

This is the 8th place of visit and so far Mr. Moragoda had visited villages in Polonnaruwa, Kegalle, Matara, and Tangalle. He has also visited the suburbs of Colombo.

Puttalam is ranked high in areas for political violence. The people complained of assaults and said that they are humbled in the face of the police and the judiciary, as these institutions are highly politicized. They said they had no support from either the party or the institutions, such as the police that should function independently and was left exposed, at times, for unexpected and uncalled for assaults and violence from the supporters of other parties.

In the face of this fact, Mr. Moragoda said it may be necessary to set up a fund to provide relief for the supporters of the United National Party when they are faced with such political violence and also said that a stable support system must be developed. “This could be in the form of legal support for the Party members” he said.

The villagers pointed out that it is not only the party supporters that are victims of political violence but also innocent bystanders. During elections, when violent activities takes place houses of the innocent are burnt or their shops and what is even worse is that these people are caught in the infight and they too become victims.

It is towards bringing about some relief to these called for destruction that Mr. Moragoda suggested that it may be time for a fund to be set up.

Another point made was to get the support of the professionally educated persons in the area such as principals of schools and teachers, Police officers and lawyers to obtain their support by organizing themselves as advisory committee and to function as support groups in times of political disturbances especially during elections time when violent activities take place.

The villagers of Seru Kale also spoke about education, health, traveling and other problems they are faced with.