16 March, 2007 - Published 17:22 GMT

Gotabhaya 'accepted' abductions

The main opposition in Sri Lanka has accused the Defence Secretary of being responsible for widespread abductions and disappearances in the country.

The United National Party (UNP) said Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has voluntarily accepted the responsibility for abductions.

The Defence Secretary, younger brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has reportedly questioned whether a member of certain political parties were abducted.

UNP silence

"Gotabhaya asked whether any member of UNP, JVP or parties representing Up Country Tamils has been abducted," UNP parliamentarian Johnston Fernando told BBC Sandeshaya.

By questioning that, Fernando said, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has voluntarily admitted that members of parties have been abducted.

The MP however did not deny that the UNP has been mysteriously silence on abductions and disappearances over the past months.

He said the party did not raise the issue as pro-government parties constantly accused UNP of being supportive of the separatist Tamil Tigers.

Former ministers Mangala Samaraweera and Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi have publicly accused Rajapaksa administration of having secret deals with the LTTE.

The UNP is currently in a position raise the voice as former ministers have already spoken out, Fernando told bbcsinhala.com.