July 26, Colombo: Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the mains constituent party of the ruling alliance has cancelled, with immediate effect, the party membership and posts of all local government representatives who are accused of sexual abuses or other crimes.

As recommended by the party General Secretary, Minister Maithripala Sirisena and sanctioned by the General Secretary of ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Susil Premajayantha, the SLFP has cancelled the membership of four politicians.

Accordingly the memberships of the Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman W.P. Sampath Chandrapushpa who is accused of killing a British tourist on Christmas Eve last year, Tangalle Municipal Council Member B.L. Anjana Kusum Ruwan, Akuressa Provincial Council Chairman S.H. Sunil and his Deputy Munidasa Gamage have been cancelled.

The Tangalle Municipal Council Member is in custody for repeatedly raping a 13-year old girl while Sunil and Gamage are charged with the rape of a 14-year old girl in May of this year.

Minister Premajayantha has informed the secretaries of the relevant local government institutions, returning officers and the Election Commissioner on this decision.

The involvement of ruling party politicians in heinous crimes, especially in the Southern Province, has come under severe criticism from opposition political parties as well as from the public and the public uproar has forced the party to take action against those politicians who are tarnishing the image of the party.