Incident

Jan 29, 2014 (LBO) - Harsha de Silva, an opposition legislator and economist said a person who had accused him of assault had withdrawn a complaint made to the police. The person had alleged that de Silva had hit him on the head after an exchange of words when clearing a bare land near his home.

De Silva had denied any assault. He said in a statement that said the conscience of the accuser could not be bought and the truth had prevailed.

The full statement by de Silva is reproduced below:-

I am happy to state that all charges of assault made against me by a person by the name of Upali Silva have been completely withdrawn. Despite considerable pressure, the conscience of the accuser could not be bought, and the truth has finally prevailed. I’m a person who lives by the law, and fights to protect the law. I have maintained my innocence throughout this episode, and now I have been exonerated.

Let there be no doubt that this was a calculated attempt to discredit me, although ultimately futile. This incident only strengthens my resolve to fight for the economic and political rights of the people. I assure all Sri Lankans that I will continue to do ba