Minister of Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka made a request from religious leaders not to allow politicians to use religious places for politics.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, he also asked political leaders not to use religious places for their political campaigns.

Karunathilaka further stated that former president Mahinda Rajapaksa was visiting temples and asking if distributing ‘sil-redi’ was wrong. He said that there was nothing wrong in distributing anything paid out of his own money. However, if public funds are used in this, it becomes a question, Karunathilaka pointed out.

Karunathilaka also pointed out that the recent statement on the police FCID by Southern Province Minister D.V. Upul shows the true nature of the Rajapaksa camp. This cannot be hidden by visiting temples, he pointed out.

D.V. Upul recently claimed that he will be waiting to see the personnel of the FCID being stoned to death after Rajapaksa becomes Prime Minister. He had since claimed that his comment was mis-interpreted. However, CID is inquiring into the matter.