Minister and government spokesman Mangala Samaraweera, UNP frontliner and former Minister Milinda Moragoda and JHU spokesman and parliamentarian Athureliye Ratana Thera -- three stalwarts from the country's leading parties -- who happened to be in Matara for different purposes yesterday met at the Matara Government Agents' office and emphasized the need for a unified all-party effort to rebuild the devastated areas.


Minister Samaraweera was chairing a district meeting on re-planning Matara town when Mr. Moragoda walked into the GA's office on hearing that Mr. Samaraweera was there.


Ven. Athureliye Ratana Thera who was touring the devastated areas had also joined the meeting.
The three senior parliamentarians said it was time to put aside political differences and join hands to re
build the country.


Deputy Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena was also present at the meeting.