The United National Party (UNP) has now changed its stance on the Executive Presidency. The UNP now accepts that it has to be done away with. It is we who brainwashed and change its stance, Jathika Bikshu Peramuna or National Bhikku Front head Ven. Dambere Amila Thera told the media today.

Ven. Amila Thera addressing journalists during a Democratic National Alliance (DNA) media briefing at General (retired) Sarath Fonseka’s office at Rajakeeya Mawatha in Colombosaid that it was possible for them to brainwash the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and make them also toe the line.

Commenting on the suspension of the GSP Plus trade concessions to Sri Lankaby the European Union, the Thera said that it was not due to Fonseka’s story about white flags etc. It is more connected to the human rights violations currently taking place like the illegal detention of Gen. Sarath Fonseka by the Government, he said.

“The rulers cannot shun their responsibilities towards the nation. If they do so, the international community will shun such a nation,” Ven. Dambare Amila Thera said.

The Ven. Thera added that the Government has been marketing the war victory during the Provincial Council elections, the Presidential election and now is marketing the same story for the General Elections as well. If not for General Fonseka and his fearless leadership in defeating the Tiger terrorists, can the Government market such a thing, queried the Ven. Thera.

“The same Government which is marketing the war victory is now letting the General who was responsible in achieving it to die a slow death in detention. It will later claim that it was a natural death,” Ven. Dambere Amila Thera said.