‘Blue Brigade’ in the blues

The programme to strengthen ‘Nil Balakaya’ (Blue Brigade) held yesterday (21st) at Provincial Council auditorium in Kurunegala was a complete flop say reports. The head of the ‘Blue Brigade’ Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa as well as Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who participated in a ‘Blue Brigade’ event for the first time, were present. However, the participation of youths was minimal despite it had been advertised that 6000 youths would participate. The expenses for the event including entertainment and meals however, had been very high.

The revival of the ‘Blue Brigade’ has commenced targeting the presidential election. The organizers have made it compulsory for members of families of ‘Samurdhi’ recipients to join the ‘Brigade’ and a large amount of money is spent. The public was severely inconvenienced in propaganda projects carried out by the ‘Blue Brigade’ in presidential and general elections held in 2010.