‘Gota Go Gama’ demonstrators deny ‘false claims’ of meeting President

Representatives of the ‘Gota Go Gama’ demonstration at Galle Face in Colombo have refuted claims that a discussion had taken place with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Addressing the media, they said two monks claiming to be representatives of the ‘Aragalaya’ at Galle Face had met the President yesterday.

The representatives clarified that no one from ‘Gate zero’ the ‘Aragalaya’ or ‘Gota Go Gama’ at Galle Face have met with the President.

Stating that the key demand of the ‘Aragalaya’ is for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign, activist Randimal Gamage said attempts are underway to disrupt the ongoing struggle at Galle Face.

The clarification comes after Sri Lanka President office claimed that a group identifying as the Confederation of Professionals for a National Policy, a group of professionals and youth involved in the ‘Aragalaya’ (struggle), had met the President yesterday.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) said that the group had presented a concise set of proposals outlining actions that should be taken to resolve the current political and economic situation to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Issuing a statement, the PMD said the proposal was handed over to the President at the President’s House, Colombo, yesterday (01).

The PMD said discussions focused on short, medium and long-term measures that should be taken to address the current political, social and economic crisis and the adoption of a new ‘people-friendly’ Constitution.

Subsequently studying the proposal, it was agreed to hold the next discussion within the next few days.

President Rajapaksa said that several groups representing experts in various fields were ready to build the country and that he is ready to provide the necessary powers and resources to implement the positive plans of those groups.

The professionals pointed out that a development programme with specific targets should be provided to all Ministries annually and steps should be taken to review the progress towards those targets on a quarterly basis.

The proposal calls for the removal of Ministers and Officials who fail to meet targets by the end of the year.

The discussion which was held under the patronage of Ven. Prof. Pathegama Gnanissara Thera and Shastrapathi Ven. Vitiyala Kavidhaja Thera was attended by Dr. Asoka Jayasena and Mr. Nelum Weragoda representing the Confederation of Professionals for a National Policy and a group of professionals and youth involved in ‘Aragalaya’.

Justice Minister Dr. Wijayadasa Rajapakshe and Chief of Staff to the President Anura Dissanayake were also present during the discussion.