Rajitha cautiously optimistic about discussions with President

Dr. Rajitha Senaratne at the media briefing yesterday 

– Pic by by Pradeep Pathirana

• Says he met President to deliver RW’s message
• Denies any possible crossover

Indicating a possibility of an amicable solution to the current constitutional crisis in the country, UNF strongman Dr. Rajitha Senaratne yesterday said that he had fruitful discussions with President Maithripala Sirisena.

Speaking at a media briefing held in Temple Trees yesterday, Dr. Senaratne claimed that he had met President Sirisena accompanied by UNP MP John Amaratunga to deliver a message from UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

“I met President Sirisena on his invitation on Sunday. The President explained to me as to what made him appoint former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister. Then I explained to him how his action had affected the country. Then I met Wickremesinghe and briefed him about the meeting I had. My meeting with President Sirisena had created a positive situation as far as the country is concerned,” he said.

Though he termed the meeting a success, he fell short of giving positive indication on how the current deadlock may come to an end.

“My meeting with the President was successful, but one has to see how the outcome would be when it comes to implementing what we have agreed,” he added.

The MP was also careful to insist that the meeting with the President was not related to any crossover attempt on his part.