The secretary of the Lanka Sama Samaja Pakshaya (LSSP), Prof. Tissa Vitharana stated that Patali Champika, who according to Vitharana has been identified as the leader of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), is helping Ven. Galagoda Atte Gnanasara Thero remain in hiding. 

Vitharana made these statements during a press conference held in Colombo, earlier today (12). 

He added that although the media have stated that Gnanasara Thero, the general secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) is being kept in hiding by a influential politician, the exact details have not been revealed, hence Vitharana has taken the matter into in his own hands and is revealing the identity of the said politician. 

He further stated that Gnanasara Thero initially was a member of the JHU, who contested in the provincial elections held in 2014, as a member of the JHU and that he maintained close contacts with members of the JHU, which includes the Ven. Hadigalle Wimalasiri Thero. 

Furthermore, MP Vasudewa Nanayakkara added that the cabinet reshuffling process’s sole focus was on the removal of the present Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ravi Karunanayake, from his post of the Minister of Finance, and that the transfer of the Lottery Board along other sectors to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was inappropriate.  

He further added that the statement made regarding the reallocation of ministries, depending on suitability was a lie.