He was responding during a media briefing today (13), after a journalist who had questioned whether Mr. Wickremesinghe was connected to the 'Batalanda torture chamber' and the related terror unleashed during the 1988-1989 period.

Noting that Mahinda Rajapaksa is fabricating many stories at the moment, the Prime minister said that anyone who wished to learn further details on the Batalanda case should refer to the Hansard containing the parliament debate held on this regard.

I don't accept 'Federal'

I, who refused to comply to the 'Federal' suggestion made by LTTE leader - Prabhakaran in 2005, have no wish to enter an agreement with the TNA for a Federal State, especially when a victory at the upcoming General election is clearly visible, he added.

Noting that he would have been able to become President with the aid of Prabhakaran if he complied to the latter's suggestion in 2005, the Prime minister emphasised that he never believed in Federalism.

He added that Astrology was a good means of income.

At the media briefing, he was also asked whether the JVP would be a part of the national government that would be set up if the UNF won the elections.

'It is not mandatory for them to accept ministerial portfolios. They can come to Advisory committees. Such a mechanism took place during the 100-day programme. The system of Parliamentary Select Committees are extremely successful in the US and Germany. A Select Committee chairman can do more than a minister,' he said in response.

Noting that Mahinda Rajapaksa was defeated while exercising his Executive power, Mr. Wickremesinghe said that the public mandate granted on Jan. 08 will be further cemented on August 17.

Ministers Karu Jayasuriya, Patali Champika Ranawaka and Arjuna Ranatunga also attended the media briefing.