Champika and Rathana Thero have betrayed national interests - CNO

Patali Champika Ranawaka and Athuraliye Rathana Thero have betrayed the national movement and national interests of the country, charged the Collection of National Organisations (CNO).

A member of the collective, Gevindu Kumaratunga, says that during a recent visit the US, the Northern Province Chief Minister C V Wigneswaran had used the words “Tamil lands” in a statement urging the withdrawal of troops from the North. 

“What if we say this is ‘Sinhalese’ lands? How will voices be raised regarding racism if any person accidentally uses that word?” he inquired, speaking at a press conference today. 

He claimed that while such a grave threat looms to the future of the country, Minister Champika Ranawaka and Athuraliye Rathana Thero have engaged in the disgustful act of betraying the national movement and national interests of the country.

He was referring to the decision taken by the JHU members to form an alliance with the United National Party (UNP) and contest the upcoming General Election under the United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG).