On Nov. 28, 2005 while addressing the initial meeting with diplomats since coming to power, Mahinda Rajapaksa too referred to the then LTTE leader as Mr. Prabhakaran, the UNP MP said, showing a copy of the speech which was taken from the website of the President.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo today (04), MP Samaraweera said former LTTE member - Vinayagamurthy Muralitharan, is today referred to in Parliament as the 'Honourable Minister Muralitharan'.

"Even letters sent to him as addressed as 'Honourable Minister'. The police, the military have to salute him. Despite all this, the government is attempting to obtain political gains by harping on Ms. Kumaratunga saying 'Mr. Prabhakaran'.

It is stated in the great historic chronicle - the Mahavansaya that King Dutugemunu ordered all to respect the grave of King Elara, who was slain by him in battle. That is being Sinhalese and being civil, the MP added.

Family Tree
Recently measures were taken to search the Sirikotha, the headquarters of the political party which governed the land for the longest time and the single party which has the largest vote base. Even a court order was sought for this. They were searching for a book called the 'Family Tree'. I kindly wish to tell the CID personnel searching for a 'Family Tree' to go to Temple Trees. That is where the 'Family Tree' can be found, he added.

War heroes' protest
Speaking further, MP Samaraweera said that the Rajapaksas are taking measures to make the disabled soldiers engage in a protest demonstration.

However, two or three weeks back, the disabled soldiers engaged in a protest demonstration calling to fulfill the promises made to them, he added.

Celebrate compassionately
MP Samaraweera also urged the President to ensure a peaceful transition after the victory of the Common candidate Maithripala Sirisena on Jan. 09.

"We vouch for his safety and that of his family. After Jan. 09, we would be walking towards a new era. Therefore, we wish to remind UNP supporters of grassroot levels to celebrate this victory in a compassionate manner," he said.

The complete video of the press briefing is shown below.