While condemning certain media reports labeling UNP MPs as traitors for cooperating with Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), the UNP said earlier today that members in the government had also closely worked with the foundation.

“The foundation had organised events and workshops for both the government and the opposition politicians. Even Keheliya Rambukwella and Mahinda Samarasinghe had participated at FNF organised events,” UNP MP Ruwan Wijewardena told a news conference today.

Explaining about the Frederick Newman Foundation Provincial Councilor Harshana Rajakaruna said the Germany based foundation was funded by the German Government. The foundation had established in Sri Lanka as a MoU between the two governments in 1988.

He said the FNF only seeks to share its Liberal Political views.

MP Harin Fernando said some UNP MPS and several government MPs including Dilum Amunugama and Manusha Nanayakkara, had also taken part in a leadership programme organised by the FNF.     

Vehemently rejecting the allegations of UNP supporting terrorism and hatching conspiracies to topple the government he said the media should be more responsible.

“As UNP members it is our duty to change the government. It is government’s duty to protect it without falling apart,” he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)





Pix by Pradeep Pathirana