Colombo, September 20 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) today confirmed that its founder and former Minister, Basil Rajapaksa, has left for Dubai for medical purposes, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said.

He told the Daily Mirror that former minister Basil Rajapaksa was scheduled to go abroad for his medical tests a few weeks ago, but he worked day and night till the last moment for the election activities of the party's Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa.

"Basil Rajapaksa had informed the party that he was going abroad. After the medical tests he will return soon to lead the party at next general election," the General Secretary said.

Moreover, he said that Basil Rajapaksa, who has gone abroad, will return soon to lead the party's general election activities.