Hakeem criticises ST sources
At the United National Front (UNF) parliamentary group meeting on Monday, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauff Hakeem referred to a report in these columns last week.
It was about Harin Fernando, the former Minister, criticising UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at a pub- lic meeting in Badulla. He said Sajith Premadasa should be the leader of the party.
Under pressure, Mr. Fernando denied the criticism and said it was a 43 minute speech. However, a television station aired the whole speech where he did make those statements.
Mr. Hakeem said it was wrong for those responsi- ble to give such stories to the Sunday Times. Mr. Fernando, he said, was a young party leader who was working tirelessly for the UNP.
UNP leader, ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, said he was unaware how the story came about. “They even criticise me,” he declared.