We should respect others’ opinions and rectify our mistakes: MR

31 March 2015 04:20 pm

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa attending a function held at Abhayaramaya temple in Narahenpita said today that one should respect others’ opinions and rectify one’s mistakes.

Mr. Rajapaksa expressed these views after attending the function to launch the book titled “Mahaweera Wansaya” written by professor Raja Dharmapala.

The dialogue with the former president went as follows:

Q. Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa has said that it was Basil Rajapaksa who should be held responsible for your defeat.

A. That is his opinion. Everyone has their own opinion. We should respect others’ opinions and rectify our mistakes.

Q. Allegations were leveled against Basil Rajapaska and there are moves to arrest him. Will he come to Sri Lanka?

A. He has said that he would. So he will come. There is no problem.

Q. When are you going to Peacock palace? Is it true?

A. I have not taken a decision yet. I have been offered various residences just like Peacock Palace but I haven’t been assigned a residence as yet. I will move into the one which is most convenient for me.

Q. Are you coming back to active politics?

A. I have not decided yet. I must wait and see.

Q. If you are a hero, why are you so slow to take a decision?

A. That is heroism.

Q. What is your opinion on the 19th Amendment?

A. I spoke about it yesterday.

Q. The JHU said that it was against the 19th Amendment. What is your opinion on that?

A. You’d better ask them their opinion.

Q. Do you believe that there is independence of the judiciary?

A. It is there to certain extent. It is clearly stipulated in the Constitution how a president could intervene in judicial matters.(Ajith Siriwardana)