Prelates ask Wimal not to quit government
By Kamal Suraweera- May 15, 2014
The Mahanayake Theras of Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters yesterday advised Construction Minister Wimal Weerawansa to bring the government to the right track without creating conflicts and also without quitting the government.
The Mahanayake Theras expressed displeasure at the manner in which the country is progressing when Weerawansa called on them to present a 12-point resolution drawn up by his Party, The National Freedom Front (NFF), at its second national convention. Weerawansa said if the suggestions were not accepted by the government, an alternative course of action would have to be sought. The Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiriya, Chapter Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Thera, said, "the dictatorial behaviour of certain persons has not only harmed the government, but also created an environment in which detrimental external forces can thrive and influence."
The Thera said all sectors in the country were currently sinking into the abyss.
"Issues have come up because everyone's ideas have been taken into consideration.
"If people like you leave the government now, this will only aid those attempting to destroy the nation. Stay in the government and try to remedy it as the country needs your support. European countries come after us armed with information obtained from our own people." the Asgiriya Chapter prelate told Weerawansa.
"If things continue to deteriorate in this manner very soon there will be no country," Maha Nayake of the Malwatte Chapter Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera said.
Weerawansa said, "We have no hidden agenda or ulterior motive to sabotage the government. We have no western diplomatic missions backing us unlike certain others. During the war we came to the aid of the government. We are not sure as to how the government will react when we present this 12-point proposal to it after Vesak. If their response is not conducive or favourable, we will have to go for an alternative."
Traditional Industries Deputy Minister Weerakumara Dissanayake, Central Province Councillor Nimal Piyatissa, former MP Nimal Premawansha and NFF Secretary Priyantha Witharana were also present at the meeting.
By Kamal Suraweera- May 15, 2014The Mahanayake Theras of Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters yesterday advised Construction Minister Wimal Weerawansa to bring the government to the right track without creating conflicts and also without quitting the government.
The Mahanayake Theras expressed displeasure at the manner in which the country is progressing when Weerawansa called on them to present a 12-point resolution drawn up by his Party, The National Freedom Front (NFF), at its second national convention. Weerawansa said if the suggestions were not accepted by the government, an alternative course of action would have to be sought. The Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiriya, Chapter Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Thera, said, "the dictatorial behaviour of certain persons has not only harmed the government, but also created an environment in which detrimental external forces can thrive and influence."
The Thera said all sectors in the country were currently sinking into the abyss.
"Issues have come up because everyone's ideas have been taken into consideration.
"If people like you leave the government now, this will only aid those attempting to destroy the nation. Stay in the government and try to remedy it as the country needs your support. European countries come after us armed with information obtained from our own people." the Asgiriya Chapter prelate told Weerawansa.
"If things continue to deteriorate in this manner very soon there will be no country," Maha Nayake of the Malwatte Chapter Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera said.
Weerawansa said, "We have no hidden agenda or ulterior motive to sabotage the government. We have no western diplomatic missions backing us unlike certain others. During the war we came to the aid of the government. We are not sure as to how the government will react when we present this 12-point proposal to it after Vesak. If their response is not conducive or favourable, we will have to go for an alternative."
Traditional Industries Deputy Minister Weerakumara Dissanayake, Central Province Councillor Nimal Piyatissa, former MP Nimal Premawansha and NFF Secretary Priyantha Witharana were also present at the meeting.
Proposal to remove Wimal, Champika!
- Thursday, 15 May 2014
A proposal to the effect that ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Champika Ranawaka should be removed from the cabinet with immediate effect is to be submitted to the SLFP. A senior official of the Presidential Secretariat has told Ratnapura district MP, Rakwana SLFP organizer Ranjith Soyza, to present the proposal to the SLFP electoral organizers’ meeting that is to be held shortly.
The proposal will allege both Weerawansa and Ranawaka have violated the collective responsibility of the cabinet and have been criticizing the government, leading SLFP activists and the average people to a situation of indecision.
At this meeting, port development minister, Kalutara district MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena is to table a proposal to immediately suspend the party membership of any person that will challenge SLFP candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa and contest the presidential polls as a common or a third candidate, or anyone who supports such a candidate.
