Mangala talks of ‘8’ in Parliament
November 27, 2010 02:45 pm
The government’s fortunate number is eight. Likewise the Opposition’s unfortunate number too is the same digit eight, said Mangala Samaraweera while opening the 2011 budget debate for the Opposition on the fifth day in Parliament.
Explaining further the Government’s fortune, UNP Parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera, who was a powerful Minister during the tenure of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, said that the first Presidential election which brought Mahinda Rajapaksa to power was held on November 17, 2005. The date adds up to eight.
The Presidential poll which gave President Rajapaksa his second term was held on January 26, 2010, which date too adds up to eight.
On the Opposition’s not so good fortune, Mangala Samaraweera pointed out was that he left the People’s Alliance government on September 8, 2009 – which date is a direct eight.
Mr. Samaraweera also pointed out to the date on which Sunday Leader Chief Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge was killed – January 8, 2009 and also the day his colleague and confidante Sripathy Sooriyaarachchi was killed in an accident – February 8, 2008.
Former General and Army Commander Sarath Fonseka was arrested on February 8, 2010, Mr. Samaraweera said.
Thus, the government was fortunate in having the number eight while the Opposition was unfortunate with the same number, Mangala Samaraweera said in Parliament.
