14 February, 2007 - Published 12:32 GMT

Anura meets President

Former National Heritage minister, Anura Bandaranaike, has met President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an attempt to reconcile after the latest developments.

The meeting was arranged by Western Province Governor, Alavi Moulana, a senior leader of ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

Bandaranaike and two other ministers were sacked by the President Rajapaksa on Friday.

The former minister strongly criticised the Rajapaksa government after he was sacked.

He was happy not to be a part of 'hellish' government led by Rajapaksa, Bandaranaike told BBC Sandeshaya.

Rajapaksa told a special SLFP Ex-co meeting that a group of dissidents conspired to assassinate him.