Maithri gears for a new game

Saturday, 18 August 2012

SLFP Secretary Minister Maithripala Sirisena has challenged former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for a debate in order to show that he was leading the battle for the post of Prime Minister and to create an impression in society that he was the most suitable for the post.

Sirisena has issued a media statement saying he would reveal how Wickremesinghe had helped former President Chandrika Kumaratunmge during the Presidential election in 1994 in a face to face debate with him.

UNP Secretary Tissa Attanayake responded to Sirisena’s controversial statement and said he was prepared for an open debate on the matter.

Sirisena’s advisors have asked him not to go for a debate with Attanayake. They have advised him to have the debate as one between a former Premier and a future Premier. Sirisena’s media advisor, senior journalist Newton Gunaratne has made this statement.