Minister G.L. Peiris has asked for the JHU’s help to safeguard his External Affairs portfolio. A special discussion on the matter had recently been held at the Taprobane Restaurant at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel attended by JHU Deputy Secretary and Western Provincial Council Minster Udaya Gammanpila.

Peiris has said that he had heard of plans to remove him from the post of External Affairs Minister in March and has requested Gammanpila to intervene. The Minister has asked that pressure be put on the President from Buddhist forces locally and internationally.

He has added that the Wijaya newspapers were making a great effort to get him sacked and has asked Gammanpila to help him get the support of Daily Mirror.

Peiris has observed that certain religious fundamentalist forces within the External Affairs Ministry were conspiring to get him removed and has said the Gammanpila should expose them.

Gammanpila had not responded to Peiris’ request and has said he would discuss the matter with the party leaders.