Athuraliye Thera issues ultimatum to Mahinda

Wednesday, 15 October 2014 01:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Jathika Hele Urumaya (JHU) Parliamentarian Athuraliye Rathana Thero yesterday issued an ultimatum to President Mahinda Rajapaksa saying if presidential elections are held before constitutional changes are made then he will do all he can to ensure the President loses the election. The JHU monk said that several Government members had raised concerns with him over media reports that he will take Government ministers and leave the Government if the President fails to make the changes before an election. However the monk said that on the contrary several Government members want the constitutional changes in place before a presidential election and if that is not done then he is ready to campaign against the President. He noted that there are plans to hold a presidential election next year based on a horoscope and not the law and will of the people. He also accused the Government of operating based on the interests of some top Government officials and individuals. The monk said that he is ready to stage protests and do whatever is needed to ensure constitutional changes are made. The JHU is part of the Government with Champika Ranawaka a Government minister. (Colombo Gazette)

The draft of the proposed 19th Amendment to the Constitution was presented by MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero to Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe during an event organised by the National Council for a Clean Tomorrow yesterday at the BMICH

MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero (L) and Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero at an event organised by the National Council for a Clean Tomorrow during which a draft of the proposed 19th Amendment to the Constitution was presented to top political officials – Pix by Shehan Gunasekara