No plans to arrest Opposition Leader, says Media Minister

COLOMBO: Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa commenting on the Island page one story which appeared yesterday said the Government has no intention of arresting Opposition and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Who is Johnston Fernando, the Minister questioned and said Fernando is playing the role of Goebbels in the UNP. Yapa while pooh-poohing the idea said Johnston was trying to create issues. "We vehemently condemn the false, unfounded allegation. He is acting in a very unbecoming manner for a member of the UNP."

The Island in yesterday's issue carried a front page story "Govt. planning to arrest Ranil before May 8 - Johnston".

Kurunegala District UNP Member Johnston Fernando addressing the media has alleged that the "Government was planning to arrest UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and several others on trumped up charges before the next sitting of Parliament on May 8".

The Mass Media and Information Minister flatly denied this allegation.