SLFP supports Gota based on his straightforward vision

Many UNPers of the area joined hands with Mahinda Amaraweera showing their support for Gotabaya Rajapaksa

By Sanath Gamage - Ambalantota   

UPFA General Secretary, Hambantota district MP Mahinda Amaraweera stated that the party had decided to support Gotabaya Rajapaksa, not by looking at his face or not based on the fact that he was from the Rajapaksa family but owing to his straightforward vision for the country .   

He made these remarks at a meeting organised by SLFP supporters at Malpettawa, Ambalantota. 

 
He added that several suggestions had been made after discussions late into the night during the last few days. “I reiterated that I would never join the UNP. Some said that Mahinda Amaraweera would end up in the UNP during the previous government. I was offered many positions but I did not accept any of them. My position has been the same right throughout. Many said the breaking up of the SLFP was unavoidable. I wanted to muster not only all the 19 members but also all PC members, PS members and all the organisers to work towards the victory of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.   

We had problems. We had to decide whether we to pay attention to our personal problems or the country itself. We decided to support Gotabaya Rajapaksa who thinks about the country and is looking forward for the development and the security of the country.   

MP Amaraweera also said that the UPFA had many discussions with Gotabaya. Some had been open to the media and some had not. Among our proposals one was to introduce a new election system without preferential voting. This was to choose a parliament member responsible for his electorate. Other proposals included limiting the cabinet to 30 members whatever the government was in power, implementing a common legal system for the country and forming of national policies. None of the previous governments or ministries had national policies. Programmes changed as government changed. The country has gone backward during the last 71 years and there was no progress.   

He further said it was impossible to develop a country without a national policy for education. “We discussed with Gotabaya Rajapaksa about acting against corruption. He stated that he would not hesitate to imprison anyone connected to corruption even if that was a minister on his side.”   

MP Mahinda Amaraweera further said, “The SLFP agreed to support him since he had a plan of action. We would not carry out our election campaigns in a disorganised manner. We are dedicated to ensure the victory of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. We want to gain the highest percentage of votes in the Tangalle electorate for him at this presidential polls. We request everyone to come together for the sake of the country.” 

The SLFP agreed to support him since he had a plan of action. We would not carry out our election campaigns in a disorganized manner. We are dedicated to ensure the victory of Gotabaya Rajapaksa