Maithripala Sirisena expresses dismay over JHU MP's views

by Bharatha Malawararachchi

Leader of the House and Minister Maithripala Sirisena yesterday expressed dismay over JHU MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera's views in Parliament.

"The Ven. Rathana Thera made false accusations against the President and the Government using parliamentary privileges. I express my dismay on that statement," Sirisena told Parliament soon after the Thera made his statement. The Minister said this kind of statements are aimed at gaining petty political advantages as cheap publicity.

"Before, this kind of statement is made in Parliament the relevant minister should be kept informed to prepare his reply and on behalf of the Government," Sirisena said. "Therefore, I urge the Speaker to strictly implement on follow the Parliamentary traditions and standing orders," he stressed.

Earlier, in his statement, Ven. Rathana Thera expressed his party's objection to the proposed joint mechanism between the Government and the LTTE.

"The country is now at a very decisive moment and Buddhist monks have always come forward to safeguard this country," the Thera added.

Referring to the history, Ven. Rathana Thera said the Buddhist clergy always stood for the soveringly of the country.

Expressing the JHU's protest against the development forum, Ven. Rathana Thera urged the Government not to betray the country for dollars or foreign aid. After his statement, the JHU members observed silence to mark the 20 years anniversary of massacre committed by the LTTE at the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.