Not even a shoulder pat from affable PM worked

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa chaired a meeting between government officials and striking teacher and principal unions.

Mr Rajapaksa has always been known for his PR skills and affability, which has been a hallmark of his more than 60 years in politics. So, it was no surprise that among the photographs published by the PM’s Media Division following the meeting, there was one where he was seen having a friendly word with Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin with the PM’s hand resting on his shoulder. But what was the chat about? Many wanted to know. The matter was brought up during a talk show of a private television channel attended by several trade union representatives including Mr Stalin. It was Wasantha Hadapangoda, President of the Government- aligned Sri Lanka Podujana Education Services Union and a strong critic of Mr Stalin, who answered.

She said Mr Stalin came and told the PM that there was a mud- slinging campaign against him saying that he received Rs. 850 million ( to organise strikes). Ms Hadapangoda had then countered that there was indeed such an accusation and asked the PM to investigate it. Premier Rajapaksa had then touched him (Stalin) on the shoulder and said, “Well, let’s build you a safe to put all that money in.”