Rajapaksa would know where Gnanasara Thero is - Patali

Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka Monday refused allegation that he gives protection to controversial Buddhist monk Ven. Galaboda Aththe Gnanasara Thero.

Minister Ranawaka while speaking to reporters at a press conference held in Colombo also charged the Joint Opposition of making the false allegation against him in a bid to damage his reputation.

The Minister went on to say the Joint Opposition members including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa may know the whereabouts of Gnanasara Thero since it was Rajapaksa’s attorney who appeared on behalf of the Thero.

“If Mahinda Rajapaksa wants to know where Gnanasara Thero is, he better ask his lawyer,” he added.

Minister Ranawaka pointed out MP Udaya Gammanpila may too aware of Thero’s whereabouts as he acts as a junior lawyer of Rajapaksa’s attorney.

However, Ranawaka said he had contacts with Gnanasara Thero during the early years of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU). “Gnanasara Thero extended support for Mahinda Rajapaksa during the last Presidential election,” he recalled.