President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s ‘Mathata Thitha’ programme aimed at reducing alcohol consumption was questioned by journalists at the UPFA press conference held by the party in view of the upcoming Presidential elections.
The effectiveness of the programme was questioned after JHU monk, Ven Ellawala Medhanana thera condemned Gen (retd) Fonseka for his comments that it was alright to consume liquor to socialize.
“Gen Fonseka has said it was alright to take a little alcohol. This would create people addicted to liquor. That is not good for the society”, he said.
However, journalists questioned that at functions organized by the President’s office liqjor was served and wasn’t that a contradiction of the ‘Mathata Thitha’ programme?
Ven Medhananda said it was alright to take liquor at a social function or to consume liquor on your own, but Gen Fonseka’s statement would promote the consumption of liquor.
Journalists had pointed out that according to the statement made by the monk there was no difference between the two policies.
The press conference ended abruptly.
ST
The effectiveness of the programme was questioned after JHU monk, Ven Ellawala Medhanana thera condemned Gen (retd) Fonseka for his comments that it was alright to consume liquor to socialize.
“Gen Fonseka has said it was alright to take a little alcohol. This would create people addicted to liquor. That is not good for the society”, he said.
However, journalists questioned that at functions organized by the President’s office liqjor was served and wasn’t that a contradiction of the ‘Mathata Thitha’ programme?
Ven Medhananda said it was alright to take liquor at a social function or to consume liquor on your own, but Gen Fonseka’s statement would promote the consumption of liquor.
Journalists had pointed out that according to the statement made by the monk there was no difference between the two policies.
The press conference ended abruptly.
ST
