This was revealed at a discussion at Abhayarama temple in Narahenpita yesterday (07) afternoon between former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and a group of Muslim representatives.

The aim of the meeting, attended by Muslims from several parts of the country, was to win back the Muslims, who have got them distanced from Rajapaksa.

Although an outburst against BBS was expected from Rajapaksa, it was the JHU and minister Champika Ranawaka who came under his criticism at the meeting.

A Muslim participant complained to him over the disparaging of Quran by JHU’s official newspaper.

Also in attendance was former Muslim affairs minister A.H.M. Azwer, who later told BBC Sandeshaya that the ex-president had told them that he had been deceived by certain Muslim parties at the presidential election.

He also promised that Muslim people would not be allowed to be misled again, said Azwer.