President Maithri does not attend Sobitha Thero's third death anniversary!

President Maithri does not attend Sobitha Thero's third death anniversary!

Three years have passed by since yesterday (8) of Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero's death. He launched 'National Movement for a Just Society' criticising shortcomings of the then regime and was instrumental in introducing a common candidate in 2014 and was elated in seeing his hopes being achieved; however he was disillusioned during his last days as things changed contrary to what he expected. Having being on sick bed for sometime he passed away in Singapore on November 8th, 2015.

After his death Yahapalanaya leaders paid a tribute on his first death anniversary memorial event on a

big scale in the year 2016. A Sobitha Thero statue was erected at Battaramulla 'Ape gama' premises on his second death anniversary in 2016 and on that occasion President Maithripala Sirisena and the then Prime Minister happened to attend the event. Parallel to this event President Maithripala was present at the New Town Hall for the 2nd death anniversary memorial event at Nelum Mawatha and even delivered a special speech too.

Whatever it is, the President was not present at Ven. Sobitha Thero's 3rd death anniversary memorial event held yesterday (8) at the New Town Hall. However, Speaker Mr. Karu Jayasuriya and former President Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranaike Cumaratunga had been present. Professor Jayadeva Uyangoda delivered the commemorative speech.

In the meantime Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksha and Minister Dinesh Goonewardena were present early last morning at 'Ape gama' and offered floral tribute to Rev. Sobitha Thero's statue.

Photos - Jude Denzil Pathiraja