SJB MP Kavinda Jayawardana appears at RW’s birthday event at Buddhist temple

By Yohan Perera

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Kavinda Jayawardana made a surprise appearance during a religious ceremony held at Weheragoda Temple Sedawatta to celebrate the 76th birthday of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday.

Dr. Jayawardana’s appearance at the ceremony was a surprise to many including Mr. Wickremesinghe as he represents SJB which has become a rival party of UNP.

When contacted by Daily Mirror, Dr. Jayawardana said he was personally invited by the Chief Incumbent of the Temple Venerable Ambanpola Gnanaloka Thera. “Venerable Thera telephoned me and invited me to the ceremony. I decided to participate in the ceremony as it was Venerable Thera who introduced me to politics. “I made a speech at my father Late Dr. Jayalath Jayawardana’s funeral and the Thera heard this and told my uncle to introduce me to him. 

Apparently I met the monk, and he got me to join Eksath Bhikkhu Peramuna laymen’s wing. This is how I joined politics. I decided to participate in yesterday’s celebration to express my gratitude to those who helped me in my career, especially Venerable Gnanaloka Thera,” Dr. Jayawardana said.

“Mr. Wickremesinghe was also very happy to see me at his birthday celebration and had a long chat with me,” he added.