Veteran actress Damitha Abeyratne has reportedly lost her place on the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate list for the Ratnapura District.
Today (11), when she went to the Ratnapura District Secretariat to sign the nomination papers, she had to return empty-handed.
“I traveled across the country and supported the election campaign for Samagi Jana Balawegaya. I didn’t ask for any specific position. When I came to work in Ratnapura during the last election, Hesha Withanage asked why I wasn’t running from Ratnapura. I hadn’t thought about it, but when he said there’s no female representation here, I agreed. He said, ‘Let’s put you forward as there’s no one like Thalatha [Athukorale] anymore. Someone like you could do great things.’ So I agreed. If they now say otherwise, I have proof. Last night I got the news that my name was removed. When I asked, they said no such thing happened. I’ve been working for this party since the Aragalaya. Hesha told the leader that I’m stepping down willingly, misleading both him and me. I don’t know why Hesha stooped to such a low level,” Damitha Abeyratne said.
She further stated, “My fundamental rights have been violated. Therefore, I am going to take legal action. I strongly condemn the injustice done to me as an artist.”
Expressing her confidence in Sajith Premadasa’s leadership, Damitha said she believes he will take an unconditional stand against this low act. She also urged the people of Ratnapura to be cautious, claiming that it was the local SJB leadership in Ratnapura who was responsible for this act.
Artists should stick to their vocation and exercise talents which are not superior especially in the current context.
She was trying to get to the next level in the society through aragalaya. It was wrong to have personal aims in a so called selfless people’s collective struggle.
Sorry you are disappointed but you are still very naive to think your so called leader didn’t know and yet help. Dream on in your naivety.
If fundamental rights are upheld, will the entire list for Ratnapura be determined as null and void?