Friday, 13 September 2013 03:16
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Slams TNA manifesto, says court case against election possible
Defends Basil statement on “Uthuru Wasanthaya,” insists it was never made
By Uditha Jayasinghe
Cabinet spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella dismissed any speculation of losses at the upcoming elections yesterday and insisted that the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) manifesto was following a separatist agenda but admitted that the Northern Province Governor campaigning could be a cause for concern.
Rambukwella was adamant that the government would gain more votes than in the previous election and dismissed claims from opponents that the northern elections would prove a tough nut to crack.
“There is concern over the involvement of the Northern Province Governor. If he is participating as a member of the SLFP then I can see how that might be seen as a problem,” Rambukwella noted but stopped short of out rightly condemning the move.
He also refuted a statement made by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa who had told a gathering that he was prepared to hand over the “Uthuru Wasanthaya” program to the victorious Provincial Council.
Rambukwella, however, stressed that Rajapaksa had later said he had not made a statement of the kind and that he was willing to believe his fellow Cabinet member.
“As far as the TNA manifesto is concerned it is clear that they are trying to do what the LTTE could not and we are clearly against its proposals including the re-merger of the North and East that was done under a Supreme Court order,” he added.
He also noted that it was likely under these circumstances that a court case would be filed seeking to postpone or suspend the elections. When questioned for specifics he noted that it would be done “soon.”
