BBS General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera today said the BBS did not openly extend its support to President Mahinda Rajapaks at the presidential election.

Speaking to reporters outside theColombo Fort Magistrate Court this morning, Gnanasara Thera said the BBS never stated that it decided to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa or his government.

“What we have stated is that there is an international conspiracy to destroy Sri Lanka and we have stressed the need of defeating that. It is the people who should make the final decision. We are only raising awareness on the conspiracy,” Gnanasara Thera said.

However, addressing a press conference in Colombo last week, the BBS General Secretary urged common candidate Maithripala Sirisena to turn back. “We invite Mr. Maithripala Sirisena to come back to the government,” Gnanasara Thera said.Speaking to Asian Mirror after the press conference, BBS stalwart Dilantha Vithanage also said although the organization has decided to support the President, they would not join the election campaign of the UPFA. “The BBS” he said, “will lead a separate campaign to ensure the victory of the President.”

Meanwhile, Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera and UNP former Provincial Councilor Maithri Gunaratne today settled the case with regard to the incident where the BBS General Secretary insulted Gunaratne inside the court premises, calling him a “dog”.  

While settling the case, the Colombo Fort Magistrate warned Gnanasara Thera to act in a responsible manner in the future.