Pandemonium reigned at the United National Party (UNP) Beruwala Balamandala meeting yesterday when several people staged a demonstration against party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and tried to stop him from entering the venue.
 
Those who had gathered there had marched towards Galle Road from the Beruwala Bo Tree shouting slogans against Mr. Wickremesinghe. The police intervened to help him and General Secretary Tissa Attanayake reach the venue. Stones were also thrown at the leaders.
 
Mr. Wickremesinghe had then accepted the contributions made by some Muslim businessmen for the Sirikotha reconstruction fund.
 
Some eye witnesses said the protesters prevented him from speaking by asking him question after question. 
 
Mr. Wickremesinghe accused some UNP members for the commotion. He said the party would be compelled to collect funds from its members as done by President J.R. Jayewardene by way of a membership fee of one rupee for the construction of Sirikotha.
 
Meanwhile Mr. Attanayake said an unsuccessful attempt was made by some interested people to disrupt party activities. He said those who staged the protest yesterday were seen attacking the party headquarters in December after the election of officials. He said disciplinary action would be taken against those who were involved in yesterday’s attack as well. (Sunil Siriwardene and Yohan Perera)