• Sings praise of President and Govt.’s achievements

Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne yesterday (23) denied reports suggesting that he is prepared to cross over to the Government and assume the position of Health Minister.

Speculation has arisen that he (Dr. Senaratne) is poised to cross over to the Government to become the Health Minister. This comes after he attended several events under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and made complimentary statements regarding the President's programme.

Commenting on the reports to The Daily Morning yesterday (23), he said that there has been no discussion between him and the Government regarding a Ministerial portfolio or any related matters. He added that political changes are unlikely to occur with the elections approaching. "I have not discussed anything with the Government. I have only discussed with the President the programme of work. That's all."

In recent days, Dr. Senaratne, who is also a former Health Minister, was seen attending various events with President Wickremesinghe, during which he praised the President's programme to overcome the economic crisis. He remarked that although many doubted the President's ability to stabilise the country quickly, it has now become a reality. He added that anyone with good vision and hearing should acknowledge this achievement. Noting that other countries are taking cues from Wickremesinghe as a leader, who stabilised the nation in a short period, he said that those in Sri Lanka are criticising him without understanding the reality.

Since President Wickremesinghe assumed office, several SJB MPs, including Diana Gamage, Harin Fernando, and Manusha Nanayakkara, joined his Government and took up ministerial roles. Leading up to the upcoming Presidential Election, where Wickremesinghe is expected to be a candidate, SJB MPs, such as Dr. Senaratne, and Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka are also endorsing the President's initiatives.