Ranil briefs monks on situation in the country

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday in Galle launched the first in a series of island-wide seminars to create awareness among the Buddhist clergy on the MOU his party signed with the ruling SLFP.

Mr. Wickremesinghe also made use of the occasion to brief the monks gathered at the Vidyaloka Pirivena on the current developments, including the killing of TNA parliamentarian Nadarajah Raviraj.

He told the monks that after the murder of Mr. Raviraj, he held talks with the Speaker, TNA MPs and leaders of other political parties on the situation in the country.

He said he exchanged ideas with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and he was of the view that an independent inquiry should be held into the killing of the MP.

The Opposition Leader also appreciated the president’s decision to obtain the assistance of the Scotland Yard Police to probe the killing.

Mr. Wickremesinghe said he urged the government to focus more attention on such incidents that took place amidst tight security.

The UNP Leader said that at talks with the TNA MPs in Parliament, he agreed to take up their views with the President except the question of dividing the country.