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Mahinda dancing to JVP tune: Ranil
By Sujith Mangala Silva
Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse who was supportive of a Federal solution to the ethnic problem in 2003 had now changed his position due to JVP pressure.
Mr. Wickremesinghe addressing a series of rallies in Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Baddegama and Akmeemana said Mr. Rajapakse in 2003 had said that the Indian Federal system could be a solution to the ethnic conflict and that it was better than the German system.

He said that Mr. Rajapakse had also spoken in support of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA), but had changed his position to criticize the same agreement as helping to strengthen the LTTE.

“If Mr. Rajapakse is opposed to the CFA he should write to the President immediately calling for its cancellation. He would be failing in his duties if he does not urge the President to cancel the agreement if he sees a danger in it,” Mr. Wickremesinghe said.

He said under the 6th Amendment Mr. Rajapakse had taken oaths to protect the sovereignty of the country and if there was a threat he should take steps to protect it.

Ranil Wickremesinghe said that contrary to the Premier’s belief that the CFA was a threat, the entire world has acknowledged that it has brought benefits to the country.

“It is because of the JVP pressure that Mr. Rajapakse has been forced to change his position. We hope that he understands the benefits of the peace process”, he said.

Mr. Wickremesinghe said he was prepared for a debate with Mr. Rajapakse on the charges of misusing Helping Hambantota funds and the allegations against himself on the misuse of a computer project funds. The Opposition Leader assured he would take steps to look into improving the infrastructure of the Southern Province while taking steps to assist the tsunami-affected.

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