‘Paada Yathrawa’ was a ‘Paadada Yatharawa’: Harin

Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando gestures at the press conference yesterday along with State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene - Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

By Chamodi Gunawardana

Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando yesterday claimed the Joint Opposition Jana Satana march was not actually a ‘Paada Yathrawa’ and it was a ‘Paadada Yathrawa’ (worthless march) which was showcased the ‘cheap behaviour’ of protesters. 

Slamming the march further Fernando alleged most protesters had used foul language instead of shouting slogans to insult President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

“Not even the President and the Premier, protesters had insulted the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) head quarters which should be considered as their holy centre,” he claimed. 

Meanwhile, State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene charged the Paada Yathrawa was to absolve guilt of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his supporters of what they have done in last few years. 

“It is good for Rajapaksa who lived comfortably with his luxurious life, to take to streets and walk five days and experience the low income earners’ difficulties,” he expressed.