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Maharaja has lost powers – A.J.M. Muzammil |
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2009-12-02 | 4.30 AM |
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Western Provincial Councilor A.J.M. Muzammil told a media conference on Tuesday (1) morning, “After the Southern provincial Council election, Maharaja decided to temporarily stop Rajapaksa relatives from entering politics. The king is now saying that he is the common candidate of the people. President Rajapaksa once said he made the larges alliance in the country. However, Rajapaksa’s largest financier at the last Presidential election, the JVP is no longer with him. The founders of the SLFP, the Bandaranaikes, are no longer with Rajapaksa. |
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Ranil decides to accept Premiership of care taker government |
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2009-12-02 | 4.30 AM |
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Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to accept the post of Prime Minister in the care taker government that would be appointed by General Sarath Fonseka if elected to office, a senior UNP parliamentarian told Lanka News Web.
All parties supporting the General have agreed that soon after assuming office General Fonseka should appoint a care taker government with members of all parties represented in parliament until fresh parliamentary elections are held. |
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Sri Lanka announces limited freedom for detained Tamil refugees
Almost 130,000 Tamils displaced during conflict allowed to leave camps but must register with authorities
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2009-12-01 | 4.55 PM | Randeep Ramesh, South Asia correspondent |
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Tens of thousands of Tamil refugees are free to leave the region where they have been held since the civil war ended six months ago providing they register with authorities so their movements can be monitored, Sri Lanka said today.
The government said all 128,000 men, women and children who were displaced in the final stages of the conflict will be free to leave guarded camps in Vavuniya district, 160 miles north of the capital, Colombo.
More than 5,700 people were bussed from the camp today, initially for 10 days, in what United Nations officials said was a "step forward from having people encased in barbed wire". |
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Wimal’s media operation attracts Tamils towards the General
– State Intelligence Service |
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2009-12-01 | 1.30 PM |
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A survey conducted by the State Intelligence Service (SIS) has revealed that the media campaign launched against the JVP by NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa has attracted Tamils towards General Sarath Fonseka.
The confidential report handed over to the President by SIS Head DIG Keerthi Gajanayake states that comments made by Weerawansa against the JVP following statements to the media by General Fonseka on the 13th Amendment and Velupillai Prabhakaran’s parents have had a negative impact on the president’s election campaign. |
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Minister Chamal Rajapaksa involved in an iron racket with several monks |
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2009-12-01 | 1.30 PM |
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Port and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa has reportedly used duty free permits given to religious institutions to import iron worth Rs. 20 million this year.
It is learnt that the load of iron imported to Sri Lanka this year by the Minister is the largest amount of iron to be released through Customs for imports using duty free permits belonging to religious institutions.
Most of the permits used to import this load of iron have been issued by the Customs to chief priests from temples in Colombo and Matara.
Minister Chamal Rajapaksa it is learnt have donated between Rs. 2 -10 lakhs to the respective temples claiming it to be for the development of the temples when taking the permits from the priests.
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Carlton Seven a Side Rugby Tournament Championship goes to Japan and the sponsorship money to Namal’s account |
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2009-12-01 | 1.30 PM |
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The money given by the main sponsor of the Carlton Seven a Side Rugby Tournament, John Keells Group, has not yet been deposited into the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) account.
John Keells had provided close to Rs. 3 million to the Thuarunyata Hetak movement that organized the event. |
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General worships the Sacred Tooth Relic and meets the Mahanayakes |
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2009-12-01 | 12.05 PM |
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President launches election campaign after worshiping Sri Maha Bodhi |
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2009-12-01 | 12.05 PM |
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UNF changes name to Democratic Alliance to suit the General |
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2009-11-30 | 9.30 PM |
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A senior official at the Election Commissioner’s Department told Lanka News Web that the United National Front (UNF) had changed its name and office bearers to field General Sarath Fonseka as the common candidate at the Presidential election and that the Election Commissioner has approved the changes.
The Democratic Alliance has requested for the “Swan” symbol and one Shermila Perera has been named as the party’s secretary. The address is 3000/1, Old Road, Welikada, Rajagiriya. |
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SLFP organizers in Kurunegala oppose moves to appoint Johnston |
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2009-11-30 | 9.30 PM |
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Sources from Temple Trees say that senior SLFP organizers in the Kurunegala Distrcit have opposed the Preisdnet’s decision to appoint UNP parliamentarian Johnston Fernando as an SLFP organizer to the Kurunegala electorate.
Johnston declined the President’s offer to appoint him to parliament through the UPFA national list after the next general election and asked he be appointed as an SLFP organizer for Kurunegala to contest the election. Although the President had a discussion about the matter with SLFP’s Kurunegala electoral organizer, Minister Jayaratne Herath, he had not been amenable to the President’s request. |
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa still in the lead |
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2009-11-30 | 9.30 PM |
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A survey conducted by the State Intelligence Service has revealed that President Mahinda Rajapaksa was ahead of General Sarath Fonseka. The secret report handed over to the President by Director of the Intelligence Service, DIG Keerthi Gajanyake states the President had 53% of the preferences while the General commanded only 46%.
The report further stated that although General Fonseka was very popular in urban areas, the President was the preferred choice in rural areas. |
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Presidential candidates oppose Dharmasiri Bandaranayake’s drama, “The Dictator” |
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2009-11-30 | 9.30 PM |
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The President had telephoned drama producer Dharmasiri Bandaranayake yesterday (29) to inquire about the alleged threats made by common candidate at the Presidential election General Sarath Fonseka against his drama, “The Dictator,” senior officials from Temple Trees told Lanka News Web.
The President had agreed to provide security to Bandaranayke if he was threatened by the General and the venue of the drama when it is being staged. |
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Names of journalists associated with General Fonseka struck out of the invitees list for the banquet for war reporters |
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2009-11-30 | 9.30 PM |
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The Defence Secretary has ordered the removal of several names included in the list of invitees for the banquet hosted by the President today (30) for journalists who covered the war at Hilton Colombo.
Military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara had then called several journalists and informed them that the invitation extended to them has been cancelled. The Brigadier had apologized to the respective journalists saying he was carrying out orders received by higher authorities. He had expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the journalists. |
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Government thugs obstruct JVP supporters |
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2009-11-30 | 9.30 PM |
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Several JVP supporters engaged in propaganda work related to today’s (30) rally organized by the party were attacked by thugs affiliated to the government at about 5 a.m. in Athurugiriya. One JVP supporter injured by the attack was admitted to the Athurugiriya Hospital.
Complaint bearing No. CIB I 55/602 was also lodged at the Athurugiriya Police. The JVP supporters were attacked by five thugs who had arrived in a blue lorry bearing No. LC 2914. |
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Platform for Freedom says all citizens are kings - Matara Public meeting |
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2009-11-30 | 6.30 PM |
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“Why should the Tamil Speaking Communities Give Critical Support to Sarath Fonseka?” – Vasantha Raja |
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2009-11-30 | 3.45 PM |
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Tamils must not play a sectarian role in the presidential election. That’ll be counterproductive. This is not the time for Tamils to do politics based on anger and hatred. Tamils, I think, should realize democratic transformation of the Centre is crucial for them. Also, Tamil-speaking people - including plantation-workers & Muslims and Colombo Tamils- live all over Sri Lanka. Therefore, it’s |
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“We did not fight to make kings out of one family” – General |
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2009-11-30 | 3.45 PM |
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General Sarath Fonseka told the media on Sunday (29) at the Hilton Residencies that the soldiers did not sacrifice their lives to rid the country of terrorism to make kings out of one family and he would therefore contest the forthcoming Presidential election as the common candidate in order to save the country and people from the crises they are currently faced with.
Addressing a media briefing attended by over 200 journalists, the General clarified his stance and expressed his firm commitment to abolish the Executive Presidency six months after assuming office. He said that diplomatic ties with |
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Police arrest two JVP supporters while pasting the General’s posters |
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2009-11-30 | 12.15 PM |
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Two JVP supporters engaged in propaganda work for the Presidential election were attacked in Moneragala at around 4 a.m. on Sunday (29). Moneragala Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, Ratnawera and about 10 persons have been involved in the attack.
After the attack, the thugs have handed over on JVP supporter to the Moneragala Police.
The police had then arrested the other JVP supporter who was attacked by the thugs when he had gone to lodge a complaint. The police had not recorded the complaint. |
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Three Ministers and the Government are Concerned of What the General Said… |
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2009-11-30 | 12.15 PM |
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It is a pathetic show of resistance by three Ministers of the Government on the statements made by the General at the first Press Conference conducted by him on the 29th November at the JAIC Hilton. Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa as the Cabinet Spokesman states that the Government expressed concern over the remarks made by the Retired General that he would gladly accept the support from whatever quarter whether former LTTE cardres, sympathizers or supporters including Velupillai Prabakaran’s parents if they were prepared to accept his work plan and policies. This is the most ridiculous argument for a Government which has the former second-in-command of the |
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Major General Sanath Karunaratne denies involvement in mud slinging campaign against the General |
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2009-11-29 | 7.35 PM |
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Following a story in our website about the involvement of a retired Major General Sarath Karunaratne in the mud slinging campaign launched against General Sarath Fonseka, a clarification was sent to the website’s e-mail.
The e-mail sent by retired Major General Sanath Karunaratne states that there was no Major General Sarath Karunaratne in the Army and that he, Major General Sanath Karunaratne, was former Army Spokesperson. Major General Karunaratne has said he was no involved in any mud slinging campaign launched against General Fonseka. |
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Mervyn requests for enhanced security due to military threat |
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2009-11-29 | 7.35 PM |
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Labor Minister Mervyn Silva has reportedly requested the President to enhance his security claiming his life was under threat from a certain regiment in the Army. He has added that his family was also under threat.
The President has asked Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to immediately address concerns voiced by Mervyn and had also asked for the operation launched to wipe out under world figures be stopped temporarily until the conclusion of the election. |
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General in Kandy tomorrow |
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2009-11-29 | 7.35 PM |
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General Sarath Fonseka is scheduled to travel to Kandy tomorrow (30) to worship and receive the blessings of the Sacred Tooth Relic to commence his election campaign after announcing his intention of contesting the forthcoming Presidential election before the media.
A coordinator of the General’s election campaign told Lanka News Web that after worshiping the Sacred Tooth Relic, the General would visit the Mahanayakes of the Asgiri and Malwatte Chapter to brief them on his campaign and policies at the Presidential election.
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Prime Minister reinforces Commonwealth values |
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2009-11-29 | 00.30 AM |
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British Tamils welcome the initiative by our Prime Minister Gordon Brown in making a stand against Sri Lanka’s
bid to host the next Commonwealth Summit in 2011, due to the conduct of its military campaign which had a
massive impact on the civilian population.
It is further encouraging that the Canadian government has taken a similar stance along with the UK
government.
As the first world leader to call for ceasefire earlier this year, when the military onslaught had intensified, Prime
Minister Brown has again taken the lead to uphold the values of the Commonwealth, to which Sri Lanka remains
a member. |
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Government has got scared even before handing in nominations
– Sunil Handunnetti |
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2009-11-28 | 6.10 PM |
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Election day is inauspicious for the President |
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2009-11-28 | 6.10 PM |
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Astrologers have said the date set by the Elections Commissioner for the Presidential election, January 26, is an inauspicious date for the President.
January 26 is a Tuesday and is known as “kuja” in Sinhala. Following the recent planetary change, “kuja” is positioned in a manner not beneficial to the president according to his horoscope.
In astrology, “kuja” is the planet for war. The planet is well positioned in General Sarath Fonseka’s horoscope. |
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National Unity based on Equality, Autonomy, and the Rights of Self Determination - Presidential Candidate Bahu |
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2009-11-28 | 6.10 PM |
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Presidential candidate of the Left Front Dr. Vickramabahu Karunaratne say that he will take up the issue of national unity based on Equality, Autonomy, and the Rights of Self Determination. Announcing the decision by left and democratic parties, organizations and intellectuals Dr. Vickramabahu said that the incumbent president followed the agenda given by the Indian rulers backed by global powers while the terrible bankruptcy in Lankan society is used by far-right militaristic section of the global powers to put forward the former military chief. |
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Basil set to field another candidate named Sarath at the Presidential election |
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2009-11-28 | 6.10 PM |
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The UPFA unable to face the challenge posed by common candidate General Sarath Fonseka at the Presidential election has decided to field another candidate at the election with the name Sarath, sources from the SLFP headquarters said. The plan has been initiated by Basil Rajapaksa to create confusion among General Fonseka’s supporters and the new candidate is to be fielded from a party affiliated to the government.
It is also learnt that Basil is working hard to receive the support of a party already in the UNF to break away from the alliance and join the UPFA.
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President halts land alienation to prevent the General from receiving deed to his land |
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2009-11-28 | 3.00 PM |
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General Sarath Fonseka’s lawyers told Lanka News Web that the real reason behind the President’s order yesterday (27) to stop the alienation of land and presenting to them to any party during the election period was to prevent the General from receiving the deed for his land.
The General filed a FR petition before Supreme Court stating the land given to the forces chiefs following the military victory was not received by him and requested legal intervention to receive the deed for the land allocated to him.
Although necessary arrangements have been made to allocate 20 perch land plots to the three forces chiefs including General Sarath Fonseka, the Defence Secretary has prevented the General from being given his deed to the land.
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Johnston asks to become SLFP’s Kurunegala District organizer |
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2009-11-28 | 3.00 PM |
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Sources from Temple Trees said that UNP parliamentarian Johnston Fernando has declined an offer made by the President to appoint him to parliament from the UPFA national list after the next general election and has expressed his willingness to contest the next general election from the UPFA. Johnston has asked the President to appoint him as the SLFP Kurunegala District Leader for him to contest the election.
Sources said the President has asked SLFP Kurunegala organizer Jayaratne Herath to meet him at Temple Trees this morning to discuss the possibility of him moving out of Kurunegala and taking over the Polgahawela electorate.
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UPFA parliamentarian Wijedasa Rajapakse to join the UNP next week |
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2009-11-28 | 3.00 PM |
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UPFA national list parliamentarian Wijedasa Rajapakse is to be appointed as the UNP’s Maharagama organizer next week and he was given the membership of the National Lawyers’ Association yesterday (27), sources from Sirikotha said.
The letter appointing Rajapakse as the Maharagama organizer is to be handed over at a ceremony attended by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake and UNP Colombo District Leader Ravi Karunanayake. |
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Helicopter given for President’s security crashes |
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2009-11-28 | 4.30 AM |
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Two pilots and two airmen died on Friday (27) morning when a Mi24 helicopter that was providing security cover to the helicopter carrying the President crashed in Buttala. The Mi24 helicopter that crashed was the CH635 helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The pilot of the other Mi24 helicopter had told officials that the CH635 helicopter crashed after losing control balance when the back rotator stopped turning. |
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Johnston promised a slot in parliament through the national list, Indika promised an organizer post in Nikaweratiya |
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2009-11-28 | 4.30 AM |
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UNP parliamentarians Johnston Fernando and Indika Bandaranayake who objected to the UNP Working Committee decision to back General Sarath Fonskea at the Presidential election on Thursday (26) morning had met with the President at Temple Trees that evening. |
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Lakshman Seneviratne meets the General and pledges support |
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2009-11-28 | 4.30 AM |
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A senior official from Sirikotha told Lanka News Web that UNP parliamentarian Lakshman Seneviratne had met with General Sarath Fonseka and pledged his support on Thursday (26).
Seneviratne had also told Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe that although his friends, parliamentarians Johnston Fernando and Indika Bandatanayake have decided not to support the General’s campaign on personal grounds, he would support the party’s decision to back the General.
The UNP official said Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had blackmailed Fernando using the allegation that he had provided a safe haven for an LTTE cadre who was planning to assassinate a VIP. |
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Muzammil proposes that Rosy be kept away from the Presidential election campaign |
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2009-11-28 | 4.30 AM |
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UNP Western Provincial Councilor A.J.M. Muzammil has disagreed with the move to appoint fellow Provincial Councilor Rosy Senanayake to the Presidential election propaganda committee, as she was openly critical of General Sarath Fonseka’s candidature at the election.
Muzammil had made this comment at the propaganda committee meeting held at the official residence of the Opposition Leader on Thursday (26). |
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