Jayalath accuses President of making false allegations

[TamilNet, Monday, 30 August 1999, 07:13 GMT]
In letters addressed to President Chandrika Kumaratunge, Dr. Jayalath Jayawardene, an opposition (UNP) MP has accused the President of making false allegations about his visits to Vanni. TamilNet has received copies of two such letters.

"It was reported in the media that you have said at this meeting that I have gone to Wanni secretly on several occasions," said the letter referring to remarks made by the President at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Muslim National Conference held in Colombo.

"This is not the first time you have made this allegation against me. In 1998 at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party District Convention held in Kurunagala you made serious allegations against me on the same line," added the letter pointing out that he was accused of having clandestine talks with Thamilchelvan of the Liberation Tigers.

"You have made allegations against me when you were interviewed by the Front Line magazine published in India to its Editor Mr.N.Ram," the letter said.

Dr. Jayawardene further mentioned that he would have sought legal action against the President if not for the Presidential immunity being enjoyed by her.

He also stressed that despite the actions taken against him by the President he will "continue to work for people of Sri Lanka irrespective of their ethnicity, who are living in any part of my country without basic needs, even at a risk to my life."