'Majority firmly backing Defence Secretary'

Despite numerous ploys by petty minded persons :

Lalith Nanayakkara

MATARA: The majority of people who detest terrorism are firmly backing Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa despite calls for his removal by a handful of petty minded people led by opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said, Chief Sanganayake Thera of Dakshina Lanka and Maligaspe Subhadrarama Viharadhipathi Mahopadya Ven. Pallatara Sumanajothi Thera.

'The Prelate said terrorism is a biggest obstacle to the country's progress than economic problems.

"The Rajapaksa family including the President and the Defence Secretary has become the greatest challenge to the terrorists.

Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is a military leader of rare calibre who had gained experience at the war front.

As such he was the most suitable person to hold the Defence Secretary's post. Picking the right person for the right job is in keeping with Buddhist tenets.

Ven. Sumanajothi said it would therefore be unfair to marginalise a person in the calibre of Gotabhaya Rajapaksa just because he happened to be the President's brother. It should be recalled that Buddha's family members Anuruddha and Rahula entered priesthood following his footsteps and it contributed immensely towards the furtherance of the Sasana.

"Late Prime Ministers D.S. and Dudley Senanayake depended heavily on the Samarakkody family who were members of their clan for running an efficient administration. Eventhough Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is the President's brother, it is the country which is benefited from his service and experience, the Thera said.

The President has been the strongest buffer against terrorism more than any other leader. The Rajapaksa's had a clean history of incorruptibility and the whole country has reposed great faith in their ability to serve the country properly.

Therefore he would firmly oppose opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe's campaign against Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the prelate added.