Kusal Perera was popularly known as one of the few who continued to severely criticise the Rajapaksa government in his columns and writings. He was always criticising the Sinhala Buddhist policies of Rajapaksa rule and promoting devolution of powers, more than the 13 Amendment. This was not much liked by the Rajapaksa family, especially Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
Insiders say, Fredrica Jansz as Editor whose safeguarded by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya, when the new investor objected to her, is agreeing to boot out columnists like Kusal Perera, and next can be Tisaranee Gunasekera and Van der Poorten to make sure she will be safe. Gotabhaya support to Jansz is due to her going against former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka in the White Flag case.
Sunday Leader insiders say, Asanga Seneviratne being young Namal Rajapaksa’s former Rugger coach and now his supporting business stooge, his promise not to interfere in editorial policy does not apply to news on Namal and Gotabhaya. But Asanga does not mind criticising Basil in Sunday Leader, even as a “traitor” they said. Sunday Leader sources say, this week’s “Temple Trees” Column written by “Crown Prince” and Political column, both by Kusal Perera has been removed on Friday night, just before the final approval by Editor Jansz and going to printing.