Chaminda Perera -Courtesy The Daily News

* Has highest respect towards Judiciary

* Some representing NGOs, foreign govts

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said some elements with vested interests, who could not achieve what they wanted through 30 years of conflict, are trying to achieve their sinister moves through Hulftsdorp.

President Rajapaksa said he as a lawyer, has the highest respect towards the Judiciary and is committed to protect and promote its dignity.

The President said members of the judiciary should protect the dignity of their profession.

He said some persons involved in wrongdoings are in the process of criticising the government when it takes legal action against them.

ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-When we are taking action against these fraudsters, they cross over to the opposition and start criticising me and the government,ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ he said.

The President said some members of the legislature are representing the needs of Non Governmental Organisations and foreign governments in the House.

ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-Some Members of Parliament are speaking on behalf of NGOs and foreign governments,ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ he said.

The President said they do not speak about the problems of the people, represented by them.

These legislators are in the habit of betraying their country and its leaders, he said.

President Rajapaksa was speaking at the launch of three books on Ports and Highways Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena at Temple Trees yesterday.

Two books titled Methi Sabe Kala Katha containing speeches by the deputy minister in the fifth and sixth Parliament and his autobiography titled Rohitha were launched

at Temple Trees with the first copies being presented to President Rajapaksa by Deputy Minister Abeygunawardena.

He said some Members of Parliament have double standards in their opinion in Parliament.

The President said some parliamentarians who demand to take action against corruption in Parliament, are criticising the government when it takes action against these corrupt individuals. “Then these parliamentarians say that taking action against corrupt individuals is undemocratic,” he said.

The President said the people of the country have placed enormous confidence in the government during victory and defeat. He said politicians should have courage to face problems effectively. The President said politicians can gain many experiences when they are in the opposition.

He was of the view that perseverance and fortitude begin in politicians’ minds when they are in the opposition. The President said the people cannot be taken for a ride and the people are aware of those who actually care for them.

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Senior Minister and former Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake and Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa were also present.