Maithri Vs Basil
Opening of Ragama hospital theatre complex
Eyebrows have been raised over the absence of Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena at the opening ceremony of a new theatre complex at the Ragama hospital on Saturday.
In the absence of Minister Sirisena, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa did the honours in the presence of Deputy Health Minister Lalith Dissanayaka, Social Services Minister Felix Perera and Health Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayathilaka.
It led to speculation that it was part of the rift developing between the two powerful men in the SLFP over the
impending premiership stakes.
When The Island contacted Maithripala Sirisena in this regard, he however maintained that his absence was due to a prior engagement in his electorate, Polonnaruwa, fixed more than two months back and therefore he had invited Minister Rajapaksa and others to do the honours in his absence.
Minister Sirisena said that Minister Basil Rajapaksa was a tower of strength to the government. Rajapaksa had stated that the Health Ministry had made steady progress and there was a conspiracy to sabotage the public health sector but the government was ready to face any challenge posed by its opponents, Minister Sirisena said.
