Democratic National Alliance (DNA) parliamentarian Tiran Alles who successfully supported the enthronement of Sajith Premadasa as the Deputy Leader of the UNP, had carried out another political feat. If one thought he was serving the interests of the UNP earlier, this time, however, it became clear that he was serving the interests of the UPFA even more.

He arranged a meeting for Ven. Sobitha Thera with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. It was on Wednesday night at 345/33, Kuruppu Lane, Colombo 8. The venue is the house of Tiran Alles’ father, the late R.I.T. Alles.

There, President Rajapaksa explained to the prelate that the issues he had raised over constitutional changes were already receiving the attention of the Government. A Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) chaired by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva was addressing issues related to the national question and also going intoproposed constitutional changes.

Hence, Rajapaksa explained, there was no need for such a campaign ahead of the presidential election. Rajapaksa also called upon Minister de Silva to explain the work of the PSC and how it would tackle constitutional amendments. He too urged Ven. Sobitha Thera not to engage in a campaign now since the issues he was raising would definitely be addressed once the polls are over.

After this meeting with the President, Ven. Sobitha Thera has not taken part in any activities together with the UNP or other groups that he liaised with. On Friday, he was escorted by Dr. Neville Fernando, a staunch backer of the Government, to his private Teaching Hospital in Malabe. He was admitted there to undergo medical checks reportedly for a heart condition.

This was whilst four MSD officers and a radio car were posted to his temple. Palitha Lihiniyakumara, an aide to Ven. Sobitha Thera in the National Movement for Social Justice, said the prelate was unhappy that different UNP leaders were coming to meet him at different times with different views. They were not united.

Similarly, he said, the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) has also not taken up a position, the prelate has lamented, he added. Thus, questions have arisen whether Ven. Sobitha Thera would attend tomorrow’s signing. The UNP leadership believes he would. This is after Assistant Leader Ravi Karunanayake paid a visit to him at the private hospital in Malabe.

Karunanayake has told the leadership that Ven. Sobitha has assured him that “no one had threatened” him or told him not to take part in the events tomorrow. Hence, he had said he expected to be there.

Courtesy:Sunday Times