(LeN, 2007 Nov. 09, 6.20 PM) United National Party (
UNP) Mathara district MP Sagala Rathnayaka says that the government betrayed the gallant soldiers to cover the vainness of the budget designed to nourish the Rajapakse family.
Like the Silawathurai capture was announced at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (
SLFP) convention, the President wanted to announce Muhamalai was captured during his budget speech, to cover the vainness of the budget proposals, but it ended up with the loss of around 40 soldiers and severe casualties to over 100 personnel.
MP Sagala Rathnayaka made this allegation at a press briefing held at the Opposition Leader`s official residence today (09).
They said that eight personnel were killed at Muhamalai. Similarly, the government said that only four aircrafts were damaged at Anuradhapura airbase. But the police informed the courts after an investigation that 10 aircrafts were destroyed and further 16 were damaged, said MP Rathnayaka.
He said that over 100 personnel were admitted to Colombo and Jayawardhanapura hospitals while the number admitted to Army hospital is unknown. He further said that seeking political advantages this way to cover their incapability is tragic.
In response to a question posed by Lanka-e-News, the MP said that that the figures are based on reliable sources and the government would have to admit them.
He showed a photo of newly enlisted
LTTE cadres and said that the government should pay attention to the LTTE`s recruitment drive instead of underestimating it. Otherwise, not only the President and the government but the soldiers also would be in trouble, MP Rathnayaka said.
