NFF reveals UPFA sordid operation in Trincomalee

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The National Freedom Front (NFF) yesterday alleged that an influential section within the ruling UPFA had made a shameful attempt to confuse the people of Trincomalee district by announcing that NFF district leader Jayantha Wijesekera had quit the race.

A senior spokesman for the UPFA constituent party told The Island that UPFA had put up posters in predominately Sinhala areas in the district announcing Wijesekera’s ‘decision.’ The official said that the UPFA also sent letters purported to have been written by Wijesekera explaining his decision as he felt the NFF action could jeopardize the government’s effort to regain the Eastern Province.

Asked whether the NFF would take it up with the UPFA, the spokesman said that the party leader, Minister Wimal Weerawansa in the run-up to the election strongly criticized those targeting Wijesekera. In fact, the NFF lodged a complaint with the Kantale police after Wijesekera was threatened over the phone. "Jayantha was ordered to quit or face the consequences," the spokesman said.

The UPFA denied the NFF media coverage and harassed Wijesekera at every turn, he said, adding that some prominent SLFP politicians feared that the NFF candidate could be a threat to their nominees if he was accommodated on the UPFA list.

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