Telephone conversation between old and new PM

Colombo (News 1st): In a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had announced he would seek Indian assistance to bring-down face masks to Sri Lanka to combat the coronavirus. The content of the conversation disclosed at a media briefing at Sirikotha, came under strong criticism in the political fora today. National Organizer of the  All Ceylon Farmers Federation Namal Karunaratne noted that both Ranil and Mahinda have developed a strange affection, Corona virus has been a blessing for both of them, as they have discussions about bringing down face-masks to combat the Corona virus. He said therefore, they've become equal, their problems are the same, the major issue they face is about power, power within their factions especially on the leadership. He went onto note that both are accused of robbing the Central Bank, so all in all both are equal now and with all these surroundings, the deal between these two is clear, with the discussion on face masks. Meanwhile, speaking regarding the telephone conversation State Minister Shehan Semasinghe noted that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa could have made phone calls during the past to save the children being put behind the bars. He said there may be others who make phone calls at night who say one thing during the day and another at night. He noted that the PM does his duty from where the people stand and as a government they don't take Ranil Wickremesinghe's support to get help from another government or in any of our political decisions. He added that currently, they are dealing very well with the Indian government. Minister Johnston Fernando also commenting on this regard noted that they don't have deals, however, there are some. He said that if those deals were implemented a lot of them would be in jail and they won't be able to talk in public. He added that there is a group that looted millions and millions and they are developing this country not calling anyone at night. He went onto note that some in the UNP are useless, they can't even speak out when their members are sacked and at such a backdrop they are trying to point out the government faults. State Minister Thilanga Sumathipala also responded to several questions posed by journalists.

State Minister Thilanga Sumathipala: We should respect the request made from the International arena at a time of a national issue. Journalist: So as Ranil Wickremesinghe requested from India at the last moment, likewise there may be a chance of asking to vote in favour of Gotabaya .... State Minister Thilanga Sumathipala: No if so he has to join our party. He can't be a part of the Vision of prosperity, for that the only option is to join our political force. Journalist: An election fixing is not a big deal for him, that's why we inquired. State Minister Thilanga Sumathipala: But there's no fixing in Sri Lanka

Chairman of the SLFP Youth Front Shantha Bandara noted that telephone conversations may happen regarding the country's issues. He said to their knowledge there is no deal between Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe, especially as the former Prime Minister there is no restriction for him to present an idea. Meanwhile, UNP MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha noted that he does not know whether they call at night, but it is great if Ranil Wickremesinghe brings down face masks by calling India, so they have fulfilled the role of the Opposition. UNP MP Wijepala Hettiarachchi also noted that he is unaware if they make telephone calls at night, however, there were several phone recordings with Ranjan Ramanayake. He noted that normally these discussions done at night are not publicized. He pointed out that they may be engaging in a friendly conversation. However, he said that he has tremendous faith that none of the leaders in the UNP strike deals with the government.