Parliamentarian Ven. Athuraliye Ratana Thera said today he would support, at the next presidential election, the candidate who could face Islamic extremism firmly.

The Thera told a news conference that the presidential election should be held without delay and added that people would respond to the government for failing to address the Islamic extremist issue.

“Whoever was nominated as the presidential candidate, we will support the one who can address Islamic terrorism firmly. Madrasas should be abolished. There should be a clear policy on agriculture, energy and education sectors,” he said.

Ven. Rathana Thera said the government was suppressed by Islamic extremism and added that it had failed to implement law against Dr. Shafi and M.A.L.M. Hisbullah.

“The two police officials involved in the probe on Dr. Shafi were transferred just because of implementing law against him. How can we keep faith in the police and police commission,” he said.

The Thera said only Muslims had been given jobs in the North and East and that Tamils had been disregarded.

“We have formed an organisation called “Force to protect the country (Rata Surakina Balawegaya)” which was formed based on Tamil-Sinhala friendship. A meeting organised by the organisation will be held at Kirama Junction in Batticaloa next Monday (19) at 2.00 pm in a move to urge the government to take over Batticaloa Campus and several issues,” he said. ((Ajith Siriwardana)

Video by Suranjith