The recent discussions between three UNP Ministers and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa has clearly resulted in his acquittal by the Courts recently, Science, Technology and Research State Minister Lakshman Seneviratne said. Addressing a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday, he said it was revealed that there was a discussion between three UNP Ministers and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa in a secret manner three weeks ago.
“The former Minister has been released as a result of a that discussion,” he said.
“However, Basil has now taken on the task of dividing the SLFP. But, we will not let that happen. It is the UNP which will benefit if the SLFP is divided. We will further strengthen the party under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena and we will overcome all future obstacles,” he added. According to Seneviratne, although Basil created a new flower bud party, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has not yet taken it’s membership. He has not uttered a word about it yet. But, the flower bud party is making use of Mahinda for its propaganda activities.
“The people have not responded positively to the Basil’s flower bud party. He initiated a new party to divide the SLFP. But, We are hundred percent certain that no SLFP Parliament member who loves the SLFP will cross over to the new party,” Seneviratne added. The Minister further said the delimitation process will be completed by January next year and the local government election will be held according to a new system by March next year as pledged to the people during the Presidential election campaign.
“The flower bud party has been put forward to ensure the defeat of the SLFP. But, We will not be intimidated. However, if we are defeated, we will face it,” he added.