The leader of the opposition United National Party Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that he saved leading members of the government from being hauled before the International Criminal Court, whilst campaigning in the south of the island.

Addressing an event in Sirikotha, where the UNP was launching its election manifesto for the upcoming Southern and Western Provincial elections, Wickremesinghe accused the Rajapaksas as “masquerading as the greatest patriots”, according to the Island.

He was quoted as further saying,

“It was because I, during my tenure as Prime Minister (2001 to 2004), refused to sign the Rome Statute which established the ICC that leading figures in the current administration and security establishment were not obliged to appear before the ICC to face the charges that have been levelled against them.”

“We not only protected the security forces but also respected the dignity of their profession by not forcing them to clean drains and sell vegetables. I urge the people of the Western and Southern Provinces including members of the armed services and Police to place their trust in the UNP, so as to ensure that their families are provided with a better life.”

Also see our earlier posts:

UNP: 'no one can take the President before any international tribunal' (03 March 2014)

Won’t support corrupt government, will protect ‘war heroes’ – UNP MP (25 February 2014)

UNP 'opposed to international inquiry' (19 November 2013)

UNP MP condemns NPC resolution calling for international inquiry (31 January 2014)