Anura B. in trouble over attack on Indian envoy

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to launch a two-pronged investigation into the recent conduct of Tourism Minister Anura Bandaranaike. This stems from speeches made in Parliament and outside by the minister.

President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunga is to call for Mr. Bandaranaike’s explanation on his alleged violation of Cabinet collective responsibility in criticising Indian High Commissioner Nirupama Rao.

SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena is to hold a separate disciplinary inquiry on whether Mr. Bandaranaike violated party discipline when he fired out a toughly-worded letter to the general secretary recently. The inquiries have come after Mr. Bandaranaike on Wednesday criticized the role of Indian High Commissioner Nirupama Rao accusing her of getting involved in local politics. Mr. Bandaranaike was apparently referring to Ms. Rao’s role in opposing a move by a Sri Lankan business tycoon to take over the Indian-owned Apollo Hospital.

A spokesman for the President’s office said the usual practice was that President, the Prime Minster or the Foreign Minister should be consulted before any minister made adverse comments regarding the conduct of a foreign envoy. He said Mr. Bandaranaike had not consulted anyone.

President Rajapaksa in an immediate damage-control exercise called Ms. Rao the same evening to reassure her that comments made by Mr. Bandaranaike were his own and did not reflect government policy.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera on Friday also issued a statement saying Mr. Bandaranaike’s comments did not reflect the views of the Sri Lankan government.

He said the government was deeply appreciative of the pro-active role played by Ms. Rao in improving Indo- Lanka ties.

This came after the Indian government on Thursday issued a statement defending the conduct of Ms. Rao and insisting that neither she nor New Delhi interfered in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs.

The Sunday Times learns the government will make a special statement in parliament, distancing itself from the remarks made by Mr. Bandaranaike.

Mr. Bandaranaike late last month was directed to cut short a foreign trip and return to the country after he wrote a strong letter to the Party General Secretary Sirisena complaining that former President Chandrika Kumaratunga was not invited for the 55th party convention.

Mr. Bandaranaike was in Thailand on his way to attend a conference in Nepal when he was told to return.

However Mr. Sirisena said that Ms. Kumaratunga had been invited.

The President directed Mr. Sirisena to seek Mr. Bandaranaike’s explanation on the matter as the letter written by Mr. Bandaranaike appeared in the media.