‘Artistes did not betray themselves for money’
Shirley Wijesinghe
Well-known actor and film personality Ravindra Randeniya yesterday
strongly rejected claims by certain elements that artistes of the
Denubima – Apekama Movement who are supporting President Mahinda
Rajapaksa at the upcoming elections had betrayed themselves for money.
“Can opponents of President Mahinda Rajapaksa ever hope to win the
hearts of artistes by making such denigrating statements?”, he
questioned.
He was speaking at the inaugural media conference of the Movement to
explain why it decided to support President Rajapaksa at the upcoming
presidential election.
He requested rival political forces to refrain from making such
remarks against the artistes.
They will not serve any purpose. No favour or support can be won from
these baseless allegations , he added.
Randeniya challenged the main Opposition candidate to show if any
artiste in the country can be bought over for money.
He said more than 95 percent of artistes in the country have rallied
round President Rajapaksa in appreciation of his service towards the
artistes.
“He is like a father figure to us artistes. All artistes should
protect the President and elect him as the next President in the same as
we elected him at the last election,” Randeniya said.
“Our Movement has decided to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa
unconditionally,” he stressed.
He said that ending of the war itself is enough for his unanimous
re-election as the President for the next term.
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