Tensions at SLPP meeting in Sewanagala

COLOMBO (News1st): Tensions arose at a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) meeting in Sewanagala on Sunday, after a monk vented out anger against politicians for failing to resolve the people's problems. The rally had been organized by Shashindra Rajapaksa, the Monaragala District Leader of the SLPP, and Wimal Galagamaarachchi, the party's Wellawaya electorate organizer. "...if we allow them to act on this platform again, they will understand the people of Wellassa," Ven. Mahasenagama Nandasara Thero, the chief priest at a temple in the area said. The area has witnessed a multitude of problems ranging from unemployment, suicides, and social problems. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who attended the meeting, urged the people to avoid conducting themselves in a manner that causes rifts within the party. "It is sufficient for you to remember the number of the candidate whom you want to vote for," Rajapaksa told party supporters. He pledged that the provincial council elections will be held if his camp is elected to power at the August 5 parliamentary election.