Protest against alleged British interference

The protest organised by the Sri Lankan Patriotic Movement (SLPM) was earlier scheduled to be held opposite British High Commission in Sri Lanka but was not permitted by the police.

However, the organisers were later allowed to hand over a petition to the British High Commission.

Over 500 protesters including employees from state and private sector took part in the protest.

The president of the SLPM, the Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera said that the British parliament had no moral right to act in a way that Sri Lanka's national security, independence and sovereignty are affected.

Commenting on the proposed all-party group appointed to work towards finding a solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, the Ven.Elle Gunawansa thero said:

"What is this all party group; the British government should clarify its position as a government on what they have said", the thero said.

British government could not be allowed to act driven by information provided by certain leaders of Sri Lanka, the thera said.

The thera also asked Sri Lankan diaspora in the west to carry out similar protests opposite British missions in those countries to show protest against British government.

LTTE ban

"It is the same British government which has banned the LTTE in the UK which was praised by you; and is not it an interference in the internal affairs? , asked a journalist.

	Protest against alleged interference by Britain in Sri Lankn affairs

Ven.Elle Gunawansa thero in replying said there are countries which pose as friends but they act otherwise.

Citing Norway as an example, the thero said even when the LTTE had violated ceasefire agreement more than 3000 times, Norway maintained a silent attitude.

Answering to another question that should Sri Lanka not abide by the conditions placed before it when granting aids by foreign countries, the thero said Sri Lanka's sovereignty, independence and dignity are more important than debts.