SLPP plans case to remove RW from Temple Trees

Says legal action can be taken under the Public Property Act as Official Residence is being occupied after dissolution of P’ment

By Nuwan Senarathna

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday said legal action would be taken against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe under Public Property Act for occupying Temple Trees after the dissolution of Parliament.

Wickremesinghe continuing to remain at his Official Residence even after the dissolution was gazetted is unlawful, charged SLPP member Rohitha Abeygunawardena, and could be used to file a case against him.

He alleged Wickreme-singhe’s decision to let numerous parties enter Temple Trees after 26 October had created significant damage to the valuable monuments on the premises. “I believe those who entered Temple Trees might have damaged all the valuable things there, and I have reason to believe that some might even be missing.”

He said that certain UNP members who represented Parliament had consumed alcohol on the premises. “Temple Trees has become a gambling den,” he charged.

“As a Buddhist, I believe in karma. Ranil Wickremesinghe tried to imprison everyone who spoke against him. Now the tables have turned and Ranil Wickremesinghe has violated the very Act he used against us.”

Abeygunawardena pointed out that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa did not take any decision to remove Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe from Temple Trees even though he had powers to do so. “Mahinda Rajapaksa could take necessary actions to remove Ranil Wickremesinghe. Some even told Mahinda Rajapaksa to disrupt water and power supply to Temple Trees, but he did not want to create any panic at the premises.”

He also said that SLPP would contest a likely General election, which is scheduled to be held on 5 January in a broad alliance, and Mahinda Rajapaksa would contest from the Kurunegala District.

Abeygunawardena noted that discussions to contest as a broad alliance were being carried out and the discussions are likely to conclude within the next few days.

“SLFP and SLPP will not be contesting against each other under any circumstance.” He asserted the alliance had the support of the patriotic people of Sri Lanka. According to internal sources, the alliance is most likely to contest under the symbol of SLPP, which is the lotus bud. When asked, Rohitha Abeygunawardena said the decision would be announced within the next few days.