Cyril Wimalasurendre in Kandy
Ven. Rambukwelle Sri Vipassi Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter yesterday told Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Sarath Amunugama and Anuruddha Ratwatte that he could first listen to the tape given to him which reportedly contained a telephone conversation between UNP’s Dr. Jayalath Jayewardene and a LTTE leader and also study the literature submitted to him on the issue. "Thereafter, I will put it before the Sangha of the Malwatte Chapter," he added.

Ven. Vipassi stated that both major parties (PA and the UNP) had the habit of giving promises to the minorities to win elections and urged them to refrain from that unhealthy practice.

Minister Samaraweera in the company of ministers Gen. Anuruddha Ratwatte and Dr. Sarath Amunugama called on Ven. Sri Vipassi Mahanayake Thera yesterday to present to the prelate a copy of the cassette tape believed to contain a conversation between Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena and some high-ranking LTTE cadres.

The tape was played in the presence of the Mahanayake Thero and some printed documents and literature were also presented to the Mahanayake Thera.

Minister Mangala Samaraweera claimed that the UNP connived with the LTTE separatists to defeat the People’s Alliance (PA) in order to grab power after which the LTTE will get the Eelam.

It is at this stage that Sri Vipassi Mahanayake Thera said that both major parties made it the habit to make promises to the minority groups when the two parties found that support necessary to have majority in the parliament.

Sri Vipassi Mahanayake Thera further said that the existing system of elections to the parliament should be done away with.

Minister Mangala Samaraweera said that was what the government wished after passing the 17th amendment with the support of the JVP, but there was no opportunity to do it.

After having given a hearing to the representations to the recorded conversation alleged to be between Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena and the LTTE cadres Sri Vipassi Mahanayake Thera informed the Ministers that he would study the taped conversation and the relevant literature.

He will then put them before the Sangha of the Chapter for their views, the prelate said.

Power and Energy and Land Minister and Deputy Defence Minister Gen. Anuruddha Ratwatte and Education and Higher Education Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama also supported the statements of Minister Mangala Samaraweera.

Former MP Dilan Perera was also present.