UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa had turned down an invitation by Ven. Girambe Ananda Thero from the United Bhikku Front to participate in the Adhishtana Pooja organized by the Movement for Justice in Anurdhapura on Sunday. Premadasa had said he had to participate in a ceremony under the Sasunata Aruna programme.

The angry Thero had told Premadasa that he was a politician without principles and was not suitable to even manage a house. “We clashed with Ranil because of you. Please keep in mind that neither I nor the maha sangha would be there for you,” Ven. Ananda Thero had said before disconnecting the phone line.

Fearing that he would no longer receive the support of the United Bhikku Front, the Deputy Leader had telephone the Thero early Sunday morning and said he would participate in the pooja in Anuradhapura after apologizing.

Premadasa had turned down Ven Ananda Thero’s invitation after hearing that Sarath Fonseka was to attend the pooja. Former Deputy Leader of the UNP, Karu Jayasruiya had also participated in the pooja. The poojas are held under the patronage of Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero and the first and second poojas were held in Kandy and Kurunegala respectively. The pooja in Anuradhapura on Sunday was the third.