16 May 2023 12:00 am Views - 84
By Kelum Bandara
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said yesterday it did not have any plan to install its leader Mahinda Rajapaksa as the prime minister of the country through any means other than with the blessings of people.
Party’s General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam told the media that some politically bankrupt are fuelling speculations that there were attempts to reappoint Mr. Rajapaksa as the prime minister.
He said Mr. Rajapaksa is someone who is ready to give up power on behalf of the people. Likewise, he said Mr. Rajapaksa would get back to power only with the blessings of the people.
“Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa is the greatest leader Sri Lanka ever had in its post –independence era. He ended the war, a task that could not be achieved by any other leader. Such a great leader will not seek office through unlawful means by beefing up security in the city and all,” he said.
Meanwhile, MP Namal Rajapaksa yesterday said his father former President Mahinda Rajapaksa relinquished power following people’s request and he would get back to power only with the blessings of the people.
“There is no need to beef up security in the country to bring him back to power otherwise,” Mr. Rajapaksa said.
“A fresh Aragalaya if launched at a time such as this where the country is bouncing back would push it to square one,” he added.
MP Rajapaksa stressed that the increased security presence in Colombo would affect the tourism industry and investments. He said it will also tarnish Sri Lanka’s image. “A fresh Aragalaya will only destroy the life of people of this country and not the Rajapaksas or Wickremesinghes,” he added.
Also he requested the President to arrest those who tried to set fire to Parliament in the same way those who stole his puppy was apprehended.