WELGAMA’S REMARKS DETRIMENTAL TO JO

The remarks made by UPFA MP Kumara Welgama on his objections to Gotabaya Rajapaksa were baseless and detrimental to the smooth functioning of the joint opposition, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader and MP Udaya Gammanpila said yesterday.

Mr. Welgama said recently he was firmly against Mr. Rajapaksa becoming the Head of State and highlighted the fact that he was holding US citizenship and as such it was impossible for him to contest the upcoming presidential election. Mr. Gammanpila told a news conference that Mr. Welgama had been advised not to make such remarks on numerous occasions, especially at the party leaders meeting, which was held recently.

“We didn’t know he will act in this manner because he worked to uplift the party. However, if he continues to make such remarks, we have to forget what he has done for the party and take action,” he said. Meanwhile, referring to the JVP’S threat to carry out a protest campaign against the government, Mr. Gammanpila said the JVP did its utmost to elect the present government in 2015.

“JVPS leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake categorically told Parliament on January 20, 2015 that the JVP helped in setting up this government in 2015,” he said. “if the JVP supported this government in

2015, what is the purpose of it now holding protests.”