Duminda says victory is with Gota

SLFP stalwart MP Duminda Dissanayake, who joined SLPP presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the latter's political stage in Anuradhapura along with several other SLFP MPs, said the victory was with Gotabaya and invited all SLFPers to back him at the upcoming presidential election.

Speaking to the first-ever political campaign of Mr. Rajapaksa, MP Dissanayake said he was on the stage bearing well wishes from the SLFP to Mr. Rajapaksa.

"We will back Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the SLFP. We decided to do so because both of our parties represent the left politics. We saw Gotabaya's proposals for the future and we are optimistic that we can form a strong country with restored democracy, national security and economy,'' he said.

He said the SLFP, from the beginning, treated all ethnic groups fairly and was a safe home for all communities including Tamils and Muslims.

"Tamils and Muslims enjoy unity in SLFP. We hope with that unity, people from the Muslim and Tamil community will back Gotabaya just as they have placed their faith in SLFP. Because SLFP is with the Tamil and Muslim people. We request all SLFPers, all organisers to join us, rally behind Gotabaya to make him the national leader we deserve. The SLFP endorses this entirely," MP Dissanayake said.

He said the SLFP was expected to sign two agreements in future with Gotabaya camp.

"If anyone had any doubt as of Tuesday night, they shouldn't anymore for the SLFP has joined the SLPP ensuring the victory of Mr. Rajapaksa' he said.

While thanking the SLFP Mr. Dissnayake said that he never betrayed the party. (Lahiru Pothmulla reporting from Anuradhapura)