Sajith, AKD ran away from leading country during crisis: MR

Colombo, May 1 (Daily Mirror) - Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today criticized SJB leader Sajith Premadasa and NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stating that when they were invited to lead the country following the aragalaya, they both refused, fearing their future in politics. 

Speaking at the May Day rally in Colombo, Rajapaksa said that despite their words today, both Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake failed to lead the country during a crisis and instead backed away, fearing their future in politics as they were unable to lead.

"Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa requested Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa to take over the country after he left office following the Aragalaya. He refused. Even Anura Kumara Dissanayake refused. Today they criticize the SLPP, but when they had to work for the country, they both refused," Rajapaksa said.

Rajapaksa appreciated President Ranil Wickremesinghe, saying that while the SJB and NPP backed away, it was Wickremesinghe who took the leadership with the support of the SLPP.

He further said that this May Day rally held immense significance as the SLPP had been the target of various political factions, facing unwarranted mudslinging.

"Every political leader understands that the SLPP retains the support of the people. They seek to divide the SLPP's 6.9 million mandate among themselves. These politicians resort to insults and patiently wait for SLPP supporters to come to them," Rajapaksa said.

Therefore, the former President urged the people not to succumb to other parties' tactics and to remain steadfast with the SLPP while also working to address any issues within the party. Disappointed SLPP members were requested to return to their villages and confidently proclaim that only the SLPP candidate will emerge victorious at the upcoming Presidential election, endorsed by the party.

The politicians who criticize the SLPP have no policies, Rajapaksa said.