Common Opposition Candidate, Maithripala Sirisena visited Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera at the Sri Naga Viharaya in Kotte on Sunday morning.

Representatives of political parties and civil activists were also present at this meeting.Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Therachanted Pirith and blessed Maithripala Sirisena upon his arrival at the Viharaya.

Several views were expressed at the event.

Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera:

“There will be immeasurable hardships on this journey. Bear all of this and do not hold hatred towards anyone. Do not be angry towards anyone. Do not assassinate anyone’s character. This is not a personal victory. Let us resolve to make this a victory of policy”

Common Opposition Candidate Maithripala Sirisena –

“The 8th of January is the birthday of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. At this election being held on the day of late Bandaranaike’s birthday, we have united with the United National Party and fraternal political parties, with the backdrop of the public victory in 1956 and the historic victory of 1970, to bring forth a transformational era.”

The group including Maithripala Sirisena then held discussions with Venerable Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera.

Following the discussion, Maithripala Sirisena expressed these views to the media.

“When I am elected to power, I will ensure freedom for all state and private media, to work in freedom.”

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