Rathana Thero lays down conditions to support SLPP at polls

Athuraliye Rathana Thero addressing the press conference  – Pic by Shehan Gunasekara

• Calls for abolishment of Qazi courts and madrasa schools 
• Wants MR to retire from politics, GR to be appointed as SLPP leader

By Nuwan Senarathna

 Former parliamentarian Athuraliye Rathana Thero yesterday laid down several conditions, which he said should be followed if the Thero is to support Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) at the upcoming General Election.

Rathana Thero also called on the SLPP to announce their stance on countering measures of Islamist extremist groups, abolishing madrasa schools, and taking over the controversial Batticaloa Campus.

Speaking to media, the Thero said if the SLPP failed to response to his demands within 24 hours, he would organise public groups against the party. The Thero added the President should make a statement on behalf of the SLPP, which he argued could be done within 24 hours.

“The SLPP should deliver these promises before the election. They should announce that they are ready to deliver promises to eradicate Islamist extremism in the country. If they fail to do that, we will have to organise public opposition against the SLPP,” he said.

The Thero noted the decision to support President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was taken following his assurance to eradicate extremism in the country, and he called on the SLPP to respect those promises.

“We have waited more than three months, hoping the Government will take positive steps to deliver their election promises. Instead of delivering promises, the Government is attempting to register madrasa schools, which is the complete opposite of what they promised,” he charged.

The former lawmaker charged his proposals to expedite countering extremism were neglected at party leaders’ meetings. He claimed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was not part of those party meetings, but should be present.

“I found party leaders’ meetings were useless as they do not discuss issues that matter to the country long-term. They should have included the President, and neglected the importance of having the President at those meetings.”

The Thero also expressed his displeasure over Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa contesting in the forthcoming General Election. He noted the chance should be given for new faces to take up parliamentary positions.

“Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa should retire from politics. It is time to let his brother take the baton. I do not see any point of him contesting from Kurunegala District. He is a former President and he should give a chance for others.”

Referring to the SLPP hierarchy, the Thero suggested the President should be the SLPP leader, which he argued would give him more space to take decisions. “If the President is the SLPP leader decisions can be taken more smoothly,” he argued.