Two LTTEers to get Cabinet portfolios in Hettigoda's government

by E. Weerapperuma

Presidential Candidate Dr. Victor Hettigoda said he would give two ministries of his Cabinet to the LTTE as they have a place in his Independent Government where leaders of all political parties will be included, addressing the media at the Organisation of the Professional Associations in Colombo Dr.Hettigoda said.

Bhikkhus should not get involved in politics. They should play the advisory role, as laymen, both politicians and others look for their guidance. "If the Bhikkhus image is tarnished or coloured by party politics laymen will not respect them and we are already witnessing it. They should stand above petty party politics, Dr. Hettigoda said.

Dr. Hettigoda said, although Ven. Prof. Rahula Thera, his uncle was a versatile figure in politics of the day, he only guided politicians who sought his advice and wrote at length dealing with politics in relation to the Dhamma.

"He never took to active politics. Politics is not taboo for monks and bhikkus, but laymen prefer to see them devoid of politics. Members of other religious bodies like Catholics and Christians, Muslims and Hindus have so far not come to the political stage and we hope Bhikkus follow the same," he said.

He said the question of dissolving the Government would not arise as both the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader will compose of his Government.

"That is the best form of Government, Sri Lanka should have to resolve problems," Dr. Hettigoda said.

Referring to his economic policies, he said Sri Lanka expects everything under the sun to come from abroad and is not serious about the export potential of number of products such as Kithul Hakuru variety of plantains to overseas.

He also lamented the way the other candidates are being treated by the media institutions and said both the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader should not think that the State media and private media were their prerogatives.

"These institutions are managed by public money and it is their duty to treat all candidates equally because all of us are seeking the mandate of the people to manage the country as the President. They should treat us well as we all are equal before the law and people who enjoy the sovereignty," he added.