Colombo, Nov 25: Former Sri Lankan cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga today joined thousands of nationalists to protest the visit by the European Union External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten to the island nation. Ranatunga's Patriotic National Movement (PNM) which is a coalition of several nationalistic groups, including the marxist jvp or people's liberation front denounced Patten who is set to meet with LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran.
Ranatunga is also a key member of President Chandrika Kumaratunga's People's Alliance. The demonstrators were also led by Marxist leader Wimal Weerawansa whose party, the JVP is in talks with Kumaratunga to form an alliance.
Police stepped up security for Patten who began his three-day visit with a briefing from Norway's ambassador here, Hans Brattskar.
Outside his hotel, demonstrators burnt his effigy.
Patten was scheduled to call on Kumaratunga later today and meet Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe tomorrow.
Local newspapers have also carried several letters deenouncing Patten's planned meeting with Prabhakaran, who celebrates his 49th birthday tomorrow.
The PNM said it wanted to know on what basis Patten was "attending Prabhakaran's birthday party."
The Defence Ministry, now directly under Kumaratunga, had allowed the use of a military helicopter for Patten to travel to rebel-held town of Kilinochchi 330 kms from here for his talks with the tigers' supremo, officials said.
Bureau Report