‘UPFA misleading the clergy and the public’

The United National Party charges that Parliamentarians of the United People’s Freedom Alliance are misleading the clergy by conveying false information of the proposed new Constitution.

A UNP group today called on the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters to explain the ground reality of the process towards formulating a new Constitution.

Ministers Lakshman Kiriella, Daya Gamage and Ranjith Madduma Bandara including Parliamentarian Palitha Range Bandara were part of the UNP group.

MP Palitha Range Bandara said a proposal for the new Constitution was what was tabled in Parliament recently.

The Parliamentarian noted the same faction that breached the Constitution is making false claims before the Maha Sangha and the society with the aim of manipulating them.

MP Bandara stressed such rumours pertaining to the Constitution are circulated by the group of individuals who claim to be patriots with the aim of fulfilling personal agendas.

Meanwhile Minister Madduma Bandara claimed that certain groups within the Opposition are attempting to deceive the public.

Minister Bandara stressed the Opposition has created a false scare over the Constitution which was only a proposal that does not mention federalism.

The Minister said false statements are being made regarding Buddhism, the country’s unitary status and the Police.

Minister Bandara noted the SLFP, the UPFA and the Podujana Peramuna are making contradictory statements before Parliament, with Tamil groups, the people and the clergy.

The Minister meanwhile reiterated that priority will be given to protect the place given to Buddhism and the unitary status of the country.

Furthermore Minister Lakshman Kiriella said the government has not held secret discussions or signed secret pacts with the Tamil National Alliance.

The Minister noted during the Constitutional crisis, Tamil political parties for the first time in a long time, rallied with parties in the North to help protect the Constitution and democracy adding during discussions the political parties did not make any special requests but for the same development that is happening in the South to take place in the North.

Minister Kiriella therefore said the government will work with all parties in the North for the sake of development.

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