Samaraweera (C) and Alles (R) were accused of running anti-government newspaper

Ministers Anura Bandaranaike, Mangala Samaraweera and Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi were sacked by President Rajapaksa on Friday.

The trio was a part of a conspiracy to topple the government and to assassinate the President, Rajapaksa told Executive Committee of his Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

During an ExCo meeting on Saturday, braodcast on state television, the President quoted from newspapers and comments sent to online newspaper.

Astrological predictions

"This says I am going to die in April," Rajapaksa said showing cuttings from Mawbima Sinhala weekly and Irahanda astrological newspaper.

This says I am going to die in April President quoting from a newspaper

Rajapaksa also quoted comments said to be sent to Colombo Page online newspaper.

"Today here is a threat to Anura Bandaranaike. Wait. Mahinda and his brothers will be killed within 67 days like ex-President Premadasa," he quoted.

Online comments

President sacked the ministers as police began investiogations into allged death threats to former minister, Anura Bandaranaike.

The conspirators were trying to assassinate him before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April, the President alleged.

Today here is a threat to Anura Bandaranaike. Wait. Mahinda and his brothers will be killed within 67 days like ex-President Premadasa President quoting comments to online newspapaer

Irahanda and Subasetha astrological newspaper also published predictions that "it will be very difficult to avoid fatality of a senior leader," Rajapaksa said.

He said it is no secret who runs these newspapers.

Bandaranaike was recently appointed a Senior Vice President and Samaraweera is the Treasurer of the SLFP.

All three are regarded as loyalists of former President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, who was replaced as SLFP leader by President Rajapaksa, last year.

After the hour-long explanation, the ExCo has approved Rajapaksa's decision to expel three ministers.