Rajitha condemns Ranil’s statement

COLOMBO: Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was trying to belittle the achievements of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa by citing just one incident, Construction and Engineering Services Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said yesterday.

Commenting on Wickremesinghe’s call for the resignation of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Senaratne said many military operations have been successfully concluded under his able leadership. Even the LTTE has acknowledged that it is far more difficult for them to undertake military campaigns now.

“Ranil is citing the LTTE’s air attack and trying to make the people forget Gotabhaya’s major victories especially in the East.”

Senaratne recalled that Wickremesinghe appointed a person who was totally incompetent as the defence secretary. He had no knowledge of military matters.

He also noted that Wickremesinghe appointed many of his school mates and business magnates to important positions in the party, contrary to traditions of the UNP.

Senaratne urged the Opposition Leader to be patriotic at this juncture and help the Government to end the conflict.