PM decides to give another chance to rebel leaders’ group

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided to give another chance to the rebel group led by Minister Wimal Weerawansa who boycotted the government’s party leaders’ meeting for the second time.

Accordingly, the premier has decided to hold another party leaders’ meeting on May 11.

Leaders of several political parties affiliated to the government did not attend the meeting, alleging that outsiders too have been invited for the meeting.

It is learnt that party leaders such as Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Udaya Gammanpila, Tissa Vitharana, Dr. G. Weerasinghe, Wimal Weerawansa, A.L.A.M. Athaullah, Tiran Alles, Asanka Nawaratna and Ven. Athuraliye Rathana thera did not the two meetings called by Rajapaksa.

The meeting which was held on Tuesday is said to have been summoned to resolve issues concerning the provincial council election system.

HOwever, the party leaders boycotted the meeting, citing that a large number of SLPP members had been invited for the meeting.

The rebel leaders visited the Temple Trees on Monday and informed the premier that they would not attend the meeting which was held on Tuesday.

Vice president of the Communist Party and MP Weerasumana Weerasinghe told the media that they met prime minister Rajapaksa and informed him that they would not attend the meeting as a large number of SLPP members had been invited to the meeting.