Fonseka trying to revive Devadatta character - Media, Information Minister

Opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka is trying to revive the Devadatta character of Buddha's times by forgetting those who helped him to reach high echelons in life alleged Media Information and Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa.

The Minister said so after opening a UPFA election office at Balawala in the Katugampola electorate recently.

Yapa said even candidates who contested previous Presidential elections such as Rohana Wijeweera and R. Premadasa addressed people in a smooth manner but every speech made by Fonseka only displayed enmity, hatred and revenge.

It was most disheartening to see a person who held the prestigious position of Army Commander stooping to such low levels and engaging in confrontational and hate politics to achieve one's sinister objectives. Yapa who said that the great leadership offered by President Mahinda Rajapaksa enabled the nation to defeat terrorism. It was a joke to see a single Commander trying to take credit for a collective effort made by Commanders of all Three Forces.

Yapa who pointed out that Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and JVP General Secretary Tilvyn Silva had both ridiculed the President and his family with scathing personal attacks said those who cursed a leader who liberated the country from terrorism would earn the ridicule and wrath of the people. The UNP which produced Independent Sri Lanka's first Prime Minister was not fielding a candidate for the forthcoming Presidential election due to its political bankruptcy. Therefore, traditional UNPers who earlier voted UNP were today joining the SLFP in large numbers to vote for the UPFA candidate at the forthcoming election.

A large number of UNP supporters in the Katugampola electorate crossed over to the SLFP and obtained SLFP membership from Minister Yapa at this meeting.

Pannala Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Ranjith Lansakkara also spoke.