Sajith renews debate challenge to Gota

New Democratic Front presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, who previously challenged his opponent Gotabaya Rajapaksa to a one-to-one debate, renewed his call yesterday by challenging the entire Rajapaksa family to debate alone.

While stating that his opponent SLPP candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa had not responded to his challenge to come for a public debate despite a written request made by him, Mr Premadasa renewed his call stating that he is willing to debate with the whole Rajapaksa family.

“I called Mr Rajapaksa for public debate and repeated several times. I even made a written request. However, I have not got any response from him yet. Therefore, I have decided to repeat the call," Premadasa said addressing a rally in Galigamuwa.

“He can bring his brothers including the Leader of Opposition, former Speaker and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa,” he said.

“Also, I will allow him to bring in the former First Lady, Shiranthi Rajapaksa. I am willing to debate with all of them alone. I don’t need crutches or walking sticks,” he said.

Mr Premadasa also said he would reveal some secret agendas of some media organisations in the coming days, who he said was engaged in manipulating information.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Rajitha Senaratne in his speech alleged that local politicians loyal to the Opposition in Kegalle of creating an artificial cooking gas shortage in the area.

He said the gas supplying agent in the area is an opposition politician.

A few SLFP organisers and Pradeshiya Sabha members got on to the stage during the rally and pledged their support to Mr Premadasa. (Yohan Perera)

Pix By Pradeep Pathirana