Dinesh condemns Brown

British Premier Gordon Brown's attempt to nurse the LTTE terrorists, interfering in the internal affairs of the country is strongly condemned, Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said.

Participating at a function commemorating national hero Ven. Wariyapola Sumangala Thera who pulled down the Union Jack at the Maha Maluwa Kandy on March 2, 1815, the minister made a floral tribute at the statue of the Thera in Kandy, Sunday. "We have come to this sacred ground to seek the blessings for the next parliament led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was inspired by and dedicated to the heroism of the past leaders who had fought against British colonial rule in their struggle to regain independence," the minister said.

He said the British colonial rulers attempted to break the backbone of the people, but it was the Maha Sangha who always stood up to defend people's rights and freedom.

In 1956, the five great forces, the Maha Sangha, Indigenous Physicians, Teachers, Farmers and Workers were united to defend the indigenous civilization. Western governments that had helped LTTE terrorists who waged war against the government were even today trying to help the terrorists menace. It is the duty of our parliament to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.