Milinda

UNP frontliner Milinda Moragoda has reacted angrily to an attempt to target him over his recent meeting with President Mahinda Rajapakse. The former Minister emphasised that the meeting took place with the knowledge of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

A furious Moragoda is likely to issue a statement clarifying his position with regard to his role in deliberations with Rajapakse.

According to a well informed source, Moragoda briefed Wickremesinghe on the outcome. An influential section of the UNP issued a statement on Monday distancing the party from Moragoda’s one-to-one confab with Rajapakse. It claimed that Moragoda did not represent the party. The statement, attributed to the party, emphasised that the Colombo district MP was not authorised to formulate an agenda for a hastily arranged meeting between Wickremesinghe and Rajapakse.

Authoritative coalition sources said that the government would continue to consult Moragoda who played a pivotal role in the Oslo-led peace process during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tenure’s as the Prime Minister.

"We value his experience," an official said. Rajapakse invited Moragoda to share his experience with government delegates to Geneva 1 early this year. It is widely believed that Moragoda’s advice is taken seriously.

After meeting Rajapakse, Moragoda flew to India fuelling speculation that he was involved in an effort to bring the two major parties together with the blessings of the Indians. Although Indian officials have flatly denied any such role, speculation persists.