Samaraweera returns from Singapore

[TamilNet, Sunday, 11 February 2007, 22:17 GMT]
Mangala Samaraweera who lost his Ministry portfolio when President Mahinda Rajapakse sacked three ministers in his cabinet last Friday, returned Colombo Sunday evening from Singapore, political sources in Colombo said. Mangala Samaraweera was in Singapore when Mr. Rajapakse sacked the dissident ministers who were critical of the Government.

Sripathi Sooriyarachchi, one of the three ousted ministers and Tiran Alles, Chairman of Sri Lankan Civil Aviation Authority were at the airport to receive Mr. Samaraweera.

Soon after the arrival, Mr. Samaraweera held discussion with Anura Bandaranaike and Sripathi Sooriyarachchi and their supporters regarding the next step to be taken following their dismissal, sources said.

Media sources in Colombo said the ousted ministers are expected to hold a press briefing Monday or Tuesday to explain their political stand in the current turmoil within Rajapakse led Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLAFP).