Namal says being Mahinda’s son shouldn’t disqualify him from being a politician

23 August 2024 09:54 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 50 Bookmark

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Colombo, August 24 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna's Presidential Election candidate, Namal Rajapaksa, responded to nepotism allegations against the party, asserting that having a politician as a parent shouldn’t disqualify someone from pursuing a political career.

He also suggested that the party was about more than just the ‘Rajapaksas,’ with many young politicians being groomed at the grassroots level.

“I personally believe that for the child of a politician to become a politician, it should not be a prerequisite (that their parent is a politician). But at the same time, it shouldn’t be a disqualification either,” Namal said during a live question-and-answer session streamed on his social media pages.

“Even in most of the Western countries that are pointing fingers at us, the next of kin of leaders and their relatives have always come forward to contest elections.”

He also reiterated claims that the party had another candidate lined up for the election, but a change of heart at the eleventh hour left Rajapaksa with the challenge of taking up the candidacy.

“We were going to put forward another candidate, but circumstances were such that I had to come forward. We have always believed in policies, and those policies have been there for generations, starting from SWRD Bandaranaike. We always believed in nationalism, and we need to protect that. We believed the policies that suit our country were not addressed by the government we were backing for the last two years. As a result, we had to make sure we put a candidate forward,” he said.

Several senior party members who were approached about contesting for the Presidency as an alternative turned down the request, which Rajapaksa says compelled him to take up the “challenge.”

“Most of the senior leaders didn't want to take up the challenge, and I think when you are young, you must take the challenge,” he stated.

“I don't want to give up the policies that we have had in our country, which I think are suitable for our country, just because we are to face an uphill task or risk. The party is open, and we have a massive network in the grassroots of young politicians. Look at the SJB, UNP—those leading their campaign are products of Mahinda Rajapaksa. He created them and let them have the freedom to make their political decisions.”

“We'll be building more leaders, more young leaders coming up,” he stressed.

Comments - 50

Gayan Friday, 23 August 2024 10:39 PM

Being Mahinda’s son shouldn’t qualify him from being a politician

8 57

Hemantha Saturday, 24 August 2024 12:06 AM

First bring back all the stolen money... before you give up politics or end up at Magazine Prison

1 29

Citizen Saturday, 24 August 2024 04:00 AM

Not because you are Mahindas son but your whole family robbed the country...

1 30

sss Friday, 23 August 2024 10:45 PM

Then you should have stayed away from Mahinda's administration. In fact it would have greatly reduced the corruption and mismanagement associated with that administration

1 75

Priyantha Seneviratne Friday, 23 August 2024 10:59 PM

If want to come clean return the money, Jewelleries and assets robbed from this country.

1 23

Peaceful citizen Friday, 23 August 2024 11:35 PM

Please give up politics. Better late than never.You and your relatives have ruined Sri Lanka. We even don’t like to see your backs.

1 25

M Fernando Friday, 23 August 2024 11:46 PM

I think it is wonderful that Namal IS Mahinda's son If not, us the public would never have been able to see all the expensive exotic cars brought over for the Sons of the Powerful

1 18

ROHINI Saturday, 24 August 2024 12:01 AM

Namal should look at himself in the mirror. Is he clean as he claims to be? What was the connection between covid mandatory quarantine and the hotels having part of the proceeds going to NAMAL,'S bank account. This whole clan of looters should back off instead of being leeches wanting to suck more blood.

1 23

Be Fair Saturday, 24 August 2024 12:03 AM

May be not for you. But for us, you are not going to be our choice for a foreseeable future

1 18

Hadam Saturday, 24 August 2024 12:51 AM

I was in Uni with a son of a top Sri Lankan politician. He always wanted to be a politician though he did degree in software engineering. I asked him why doesn’t he wants persue a career in the field of the degree and he said and I quote “You don’t understand the power that you weil as politician. Its more powerful then any degree or qualifications”. Its looks like Namal as understood that power very well.

1 16

Mandayan Saturday, 24 August 2024 01:08 AM

You are linked to Rugby Tajudeen case, are you not?

2 20

Bernard Jayatilake Saturday, 24 August 2024 01:31 AM

It is not a prerequisite or disqualification to be politician of a political family but your clan has always been at the forefront of introducing a nepotism clan member to the top post and what has happened to the country is in the history books as even a judgement has been delivered naming the forefront members of your nepotism clan being responsible for the mess and for those who have abandoned your party after enjoying perks and privileges in the ruling period but now joined incumbent hoping to continue the same game, your party should sack them from the party to prevent further damage as discipline is the key to unity of the party.

1 10

European Saturday, 24 August 2024 02:01 AM

Totally BS. In modern Western countries there are no family dynasties who only work for their own power and benefits for their relatives. In fact, this is forbidden and it is called nepotism.

2 14

Optics Saturday, 24 August 2024 02:10 AM

Unfortunately, the optics don't favor Namal. The memories of economic collapse, nepotism and corruption are still raw. Voters feel Namal is actually MR 2.0 and a front for who will really be ruling the country. Just saying. I do think Namal on his own will do a good job in terms of modernizing the country but his policies and vision are not very clear at this point.

4 13

mina Saturday, 24 August 2024 02:48 AM

People will decide whether you are qualified to be a presidential candidate being son of Mina

1 9

Rukshani Wijesekera Saturday, 24 August 2024 05:15 AM

Why are you enjoying and protecting Mahinda's stolen money? Why are you using and hiding money stolen from Citizens and invested offshore for the benefit of you and your brothers? Supreme court have already given the judgement that Rajapaksa family is responsible for bankrupting the country. It is a direct result of stealing. You guys are reaping the rewards of these stolen assets. You're a thick skin like your father and uncles to claim governance of this country and lie without remorse. Namal only wants people to be ignorant and believe his lies!

1 12

Ram P Saturday, 24 August 2024 05:28 AM

I fully agree with Namal baby, but if the assets at the entry to politics and today's assets are looked at none of the politicians can explain how the assets swelled. Namal baby had assets even before entering politics or passing law exams fraudulently. Namal please explain how you acquired the assets

1 8

Ramanayake Saturday, 24 August 2024 05:49 AM

Being the son of Alibaba the chieftan of thieves and one of the 40 thief's does indeed tells people what you are capable. If you want to honestly contest this election please declare all the looted monies in possession of your Malay family. Leopard never changes its spots.

1 10

Joshu Saturday, 24 August 2024 07:20 AM

Rajapakshe family has no future in politics in SL. Don't think people are fools . Your family bankrupted the country, bought the farmers to their knees, looted etc and what makes you believe you qualify to be a politician.

1 16

Nimal 1 Saturday, 24 August 2024 08:07 AM

You and your siblings were swollen headed and adamant scoundrels believing that the country should kneel before you. The public is well aware of your nefarious deeds, Today, you will not be able to gather even 3% of the vote, even if you go kneeling before the people, because your father and your clan have robbed this country almost dry. It took the slfp nearly seventeen years to regain some semblance of public confidence after their sordid reign from 1970 to 1977. You may consider yourself fortunate if you can do it in twenty-five, if at all it is possible.

1 9

S B Lokuge Saturday, 24 August 2024 08:16 AM

How many Rajapaksas were in the current parliament? How many of them were elected because of the related to Mahinda ? What is Kaputas doing from the sideline when he is not even eligible to contest the election? People know how much wealth your clan accumulated during the past 25 years you are the fall guy to pay for it.

1 14

Bandara Gamaga Saturday, 24 August 2024 08:22 AM

The whole family stole huge amount of money from the country thru corruption and kickbacks. Give the money back them we will reconsider.

1 11

Sanga Saturday, 24 August 2024 08:22 AM

If he’s BAD, you’re his DAD

2 6

Joe Saturday, 24 August 2024 08:26 AM

Every country will benefit from a law banning offspring of a politician entering politics. This will force politicians from not trying to build a political dynasty and encourage more of the capable intellectuals take up politics rather than the village thugs we now have in abundance.

1 7

Terrence K Saturday, 24 August 2024 08:27 AM

Namal your understanding is mediocre one reason you were chosen for the Presidential candidacy of the Pottu party was that your Appachchi was calling the shots. You are talking about grooming new recruits who will never have a chance of vying for the Presidential slot as there are many stalwarts of the party who have been sent to limbo. Because of your Appachchi's backing no one utters a word of dissent otherwise you will never have got a chance and this time the public have lost confidence in the founder and all the other members of the SLPP because some of you have blood on their hands whilst some have robbed the public purse. As one of your senior members said he is really Sorry for you as you will be the last among the strong parties on 22nd September! Aiyo Appachchi has no say as the public are fed up!!!

1 5

Mohamed Adham Saturday, 24 August 2024 08:38 AM

You had all the FUN and GAMES when your father was President and even now with Uncle Ranilrajapaksa protecting you and your people, now you are moaning and groaning. Bunch of low class losers. The people have woken up and your political days are numbered until the 21st of September 2024.

1 9

R Saturday, 24 August 2024 08:39 AM

Of course this candidate is over qualified for the presidency. So he must take lesser positions to return all the money streamed to his overseas bank account.

1 6

Priyanee Wijesekera Saturday, 24 August 2024 08:47 AM

Being MR'S son is his main qualification

2 6

Labby Saturday, 24 August 2024 08:49 AM

So he knows and acknowledges that his father's administration was an utter rot.

1 7

Soori Maripalan Saturday, 24 August 2024 08:56 AM

Of course, you will qualify unless you did steal public funds following the father and uncles! Then get out like your father and live hapily with stolen money!!

1 6

Neville Jayakody Saturday, 24 August 2024 09:06 AM

If not Mahinda he would have been nothing other than a incompetent thug!

1 9

Damith Saturday, 24 August 2024 09:29 AM

Did it take you two years tom realize that the govt. was not following your policies- what exactly are your policies- loot , loot and loot

1 6

Kanishka Saturday, 24 August 2024 09:42 AM

But being Mahinda's son got you a law degree without attending law college

1 8

Chris Saturday, 24 August 2024 11:12 AM

Being Mahinda 's son gave you vast opportunity to steal from a poor country and amass wealth in such huge proportions . What have you done for the people of this country? I hope you get thrashed by the voters this time. You should be banished from politics along with your corrupt uncles and cousins!

1 5

sam Saturday, 24 August 2024 11:51 AM

You are a also ran politician

0 2

Mahesh Saturday, 24 August 2024 12:26 PM

Birds of a feather flock together- corruption is common among your family and please help and locate the money you shifted to Dubai

0 7

Tissa Fernando Saturday, 24 August 2024 07:30 PM

Really, where in Dubai? Do you know about it for sure? Oh you are listening to your JVP talkshows if you know about where the money is then publish details. This is the same story about keeping files about everyone else and threatening them from time to time.

1 1

Gamini Saturday, 24 August 2024 12:27 PM

agree, but that surname should also not be the ONLY qualification for you to contest the election. Other than being your looter fathers fake lawyer son, what else are your credentials to stand for the election

0 6

shera Saturday, 24 August 2024 02:38 PM

No one pays for the sins of their father. This is the Biblical truth. Likewise, Namal should not be judged according to his father's record and deserves a chance to carve out his own political identity. All the best Namal.

11 1

Rip Winkle Saturday, 24 August 2024 04:20 PM

"Namal says being Mahinda’s son shouldn’t disqualify him from being a politician" Maybe so, but your thieving does.

0 4

Mahila Saturday, 24 August 2024 04:51 PM

Leaving all other matters aside for starters, Guys, LEGAL qualifications, if NOT SUSPECT, should be at least, ‘UNDER THE MICROSCOPE’, and AMOUNTS to a 'TORT', doesn’t QUALIFY to contest and DICTATES that his Father's Identity should not disable him from contesting PE 2024 and if he garners required votes at the hustings, SHOULDN’T be DISQUALIFIED from ASCENDING, Presidency of DS Republic of SL!!?? He is trying virtually to Teach His GRANNY (may be he succeeded with “DAISY AACHI”) all others are similar with Low IQ, to “SUCKLE EGGS”!? He is in his “DREAMLAND ONLY”!? Lankans shouldn’t ‘BUY’ this BEGOTTEN ILL-FOUNDED IGNOMINIOUS CONCEPT!!?? IN REAL WORLD - NAY!? BEING actively, part of family, ALL activities Politician, MP, Minister, and ET all., couldn’t have been possible without, “TACITLY CONDONING”, LOOTING well-known, UNREFUTABLE’ TRAITS of ‘APPACHCHI!? Atleast A “CO-CONSPIRATOR”!?

1 3

Tissa Fernando Saturday, 24 August 2024 07:27 PM

What exactly is the point here?

2 1

Mahila Sunday, 25 August 2024 11:56 AM

Tissa Fernando., “WHAT exactly is the “POINT” HERE?” As KRRISH Corp case Proves, Money remitted thru' HSBC by Krrish Corp was transferred to Namal R's PERSONAL ACCOUNT and has been withdrawn!!?? Money purportedly for promotion – SL Rugby!? No evidence Union (SLRFU) – receiving ANY SUCH DONATIONS from Krrish Corp., or NR!!?? Disturbing, reveals MISUSE of CONTRIBUTION/DONATION, for PURPOSES OTHER THAN ATTRIBUTABLE reason as DECLARED – in bank TRANSFER!?? Evidence led in COURT – KRRISH Case!!?? Well, these this copybook OBNOXIOUS DECEPTIONS, THE IDENTICAL ‘OPTIC’ as “HELPING HAMBANTOTA FUND” (HHF) TSUNAMI FUND 12/2004, EXPOSURE!? Point is, GENERAL PUBLIC being made WISER, that the “PRODIGAL SON” is following Father’s VIRTUOUS “TREADINGS” METICULOUSLY!!?? Voters BEWARE – Presidential Election 21/09/2024!?? The article gives IMPRESSION “NR is CLEAN as a ‘SPECKLESS PEARL’, by IMPLICATION his STATEMENT, only his Father committed CORRUPTION AND CULPABLE of MISDEMEANOURS, LOOTING and NOT Namal

0 0

DOT Sunday, 25 August 2024 05:04 PM

Moral of the point is he is big cheater

0 0

Abd Saturday, 24 August 2024 07:15 PM

Being a son of MR you are fortunate or unfortunate to achieve first hand practical experience on how to steal people’s assets and depositing them safe places, by doing so, you earned curse of millions of people which will lead certain collapse in your expectations

0 1

Buddhist Saturday, 24 August 2024 07:43 PM

Why Namal should be disqualified is not because he is the son of Mahinda, but because he stole money and took bribes.

0 1

Tissa Fernando Sunday, 25 August 2024 06:33 AM

Same JVP chanting, their moto is every one except them is a thief. Didn't they loot the money during 88 89. They are planning to loot money in large scale if they win. Wait and see.

2 0

Abd Sunday, 25 August 2024 06:20 AM

Why other few remaining parliamentarians of SLPP still with rajapakshas, this party is only for rajapakshas, others can have left overs ,you all SLPP parliamentarians go and join SP or RW you have no future in SLPP, otherwise you will be late

0 1

Ima Sunday, 25 August 2024 10:48 AM

Don’t even imagine, see Pavithra seated back in third row, remember she used to sit next to MR, glancing sexy looks at him, now peering from third row, shame,see other seniors,who vacated SLPP to join RW, got second rate acceptance there,be thre till end, because SP or RW also not winning horses

0 1

Ruben disty Sunday, 25 August 2024 09:16 AM

Cassinos s are better than our politicians Namal can straighten things out given 14yrs of experience he understand dads mistakes its the gang behind ruined MR

1 0

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