REFUGEE

Sources from the Opposition Leader’s Office said the President has requested two of Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s friends to get Wickremesinghe to agree to a joint action plan to ensure a better future for the country. The President has made this request after emphasizing the threat on the country’s democracy if a military regime under General Fonseka rules the country.

The President had called former UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrema and had spoken at length of the steps that could be taken to reach a consensus with the Opposition Leader. The President had also invited two of the Opposition Leader’s close friends to Temple Trees for a discussion on Wednesday (11).

Sources further observed that the President had informed Malik Samarawcikrema that he would abolish the Executive Presidency within the next two years.