Buddhadasa links with UNP for demo against Weerawansa

The defeat of the budget in the Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha twice over seems to have come as good news for Minister Wimal Weerawansa, leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF).

No sooner it happened, he telephoned President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was at lunch at the residence of V.K. Indika, UPFA parliamentarian from Galle. He gave the news to President Rajapaksa only to be told that he has got to know about it.

"Sir, Jathika Nidhas Peramuna ekkenawa sabapathi keramu. Eyata hamoma kemathi (Sir, shall we appoint the National Freedom Front member as Chairman. He is liked by all). The President politely turned down the request by saying he would have to consult other stakeholders -- UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha, SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena and Homagama Organiser and Minister Bandula Gunawardena. There was more trouble for Minister Weerawansa at the Kaduwela Municipal Council. There, the ruling UPFA led by G.H. Buddhadasa and UNP Opposition Leader Priyantha Pathberiya joined hands to stage a procession. They marched from the Kaduwela town to Malabe. Over 2,000 took part in the protest.

Mayor Buddhadasa and Opposition Leader Pathberiya alleged that Minister Weerawansa was responsible for the transfer of the Divisional Secretary M.S.P. Sooriyapperuma. The reason - she allegedly left out Minister Weerawansa when she sent out invitations for official ceremonies arranged by the Council. Minister Weerawansa had directed that his name should always be included.