Rathana Thera’s ultimatum today: Rishad’s NCM at a standstill

MP Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera, issued an ultimatum to the President yesterday urging him to take immediate measures to remove the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen, Western Province Governor Azath Salley, and Eastern Province Governor M.L.A.M. Hizbullah from their positions by 4.00 pm today (30) failing which he would announce his serious decision through media.

The Thera issued this ultimatum at a media briefing held yesterday at the Sadahamsevana International Buddhist Information Institute on Gothami Road, Rajagiriya.

Concurrent to his decision, Rathana Thera urged all spiritual leaders to engage in spiritual activities throughout the country. He said the only weapon he possess is the tool of non-violence, adding that he believes that it could defeat all evil forces.

EPRLF vote against Rishad

Meanwhile, EPRLF Wanni District MP Shivashakthi Anandan has said that his party would support the No Confidence Motion against Minister Bathiudeen.

He stated that at a party meeting the EPRLF Leader Suresh Premachandran had agreed to support the NCM adding that Bathiudeen should definitely be charged for the wrong he has committed.

Anandan added that if Bathiudeen is found guilty of the charges against him, the President definitely has to remove him from all his positions. He said this is the stand the EPRLF has taken.

MP Shivashakthi Anandan had said in Vavuniya that Bathiudeen should be charged not based on racist grounds but based on the wrong committed by him.

NCM cannot be won

Meanwhile, the Central Province Governor Maithri Gunaratne has said that the 12 points in the No Confidence Motion cannot be proved and the NCM cannot be won.

He said, “The NCM against Bathiudeen has been done without proper planning. I have plenty of proof against Bathiudeen including the Auditor General’s report. I have all the proof about all Rishad’s games and the loss he brought upon the country. However, this NCM is like trying to close your eyes and play cricket. It won’t work. All this is done simply to put the President and government in trouble.”

JO target

Meanwhile, the Joint Opposition internal common view is that this No Confidence Motion will be defeated, adding that a series of protests and rallies would be organised against those who do not support the NCM for they would have taken bribes from Rishad.

It is reported that this decision was taken at a party leaders meeting held on May 28th under the patronage of Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa.