Weerawansa abandons fast unto death after Rajapaksa visit

[TamilNet, Saturday, 10 July 2010, 14:27 GMT]
Wimal Weerawansa, the leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF) and an ally of the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance government Saturday evening abandoned his fast unto death accepting a glass of water from Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Mr. Rajapaksa paid a surprise visit to the venue where Weerawansa had been fasting. He was immediately transferred to a hospital in an ambulance.

Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the family of Minister Weerawansa also visited the site of the protest just minutes before the arrival of Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Weerawansa commenced the fast unto death three days ago to protest the appointment of a panel on Sri Lanka by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Weerawansa had earlier said he will not give up the fast until the UN Chief gives an assurance that the panel will be dissolved.

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