Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga not invited to S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike memorial?

Colombo (News 1st): The 121st birth anniversary of late Prime Minister and Sri Lanka Freedom Party Founder S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike fell today (January 8). An event was held to commemorate his birth at the S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike statue at Galle Face in Colombo. The Commemoration organized by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party was set to take place at 8:00 AM. While preparations for the event were being carried out, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge arrived at the location at about 7.30 am and offered floral tributes.

Journalist: Why are you here early? Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga: This is the time we come at. Journalist: The event is at 8.30 am Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga: I am unaware as I have not been informed. I haven't been told about my father's birth commemoration. So as I have done, my sister Sunethra and I came to offer floral tributes. Journalist: Have they not invited you for the ceremony? Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga: They have not sent anything. The leaders of SLFP are suffering from Chandrika phobia. There is no cure for it.

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge exchanged views with some party loyalists about the incident that occurred at the SLFP Headquarters yesterday.

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga: Someone said that everyone left once I arrived. Organizer: They came and took photos, videos and spoke. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga: They came and greeted me and wished me. It is just a few at the back that did not. Organizer: Even they can't come forward thinking they may become unpopular. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga: They came later on Organizer: Even Ranjith Siyamabalapitiya is saying to the media that you have no right to be there. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga: Siyambalapitiya said that? The SLFP today has been hijacked by a bunch of people who are greedy for power and money. They will be cursed by the Horagolla family. I came after a long time. I have a right to be here so here I am. I decided not to talk today, I just came to listen and then go.

While the former President then proceeded to leave, the official ceremony of the party began at 8:30 am with the participation of the SLFP Chairman, former President Maithripala Sirisena. While Party General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara garlanded the statue, the former President offered floral tributes. The former President noted that the birthday of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike is an important day for all Sri Lankans who love and respect the country. He said on a personal note, the 8th of January is when he won the Presidency, therefore the 8th of January is very important to him. State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara who was present at the location also spoke to the media.

Journalist: Why is it that Chandrika Bandaranaike came early and offered the flowers? Dayasiri Jayasekara: That, of course, I don't know. Journalist: Has Madam Kumaratunga been removed from the SLFP? Dayasiri Jayasekara: No she hasn't. She is still there. Journalist: Does that mean a decision will be taken in the future? Dayasiri Jayasekara: We are trying to finish it.

UPFA MP Thilanga Sumathipala noted that politically, within a democratic framework, her policy decisions have been rejected. Therefore, he said the people have decided that her political outlook and vision are outdated. He added that she is a former President who is currently on retirement.