President Sirisena brought me back to politics: MR

27 January 2017 09:25 pm - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today it was President Maithripala Sirisena, who brought him back to politics whereas he had decided to retire from politics.

“I was going to retire from politics and take a rest. But President Sirisena brought me back to politics,” he said.

Mr. Rajapaksa said the Joint Opposition members Wimal Weerawansa, Dinesh Gunawardane and Vasudewa Nanayakkara during a meeting held at Nugegoda sometime ago forced him to return to active politics and not to retire.

Addressing a rally organised by the Joint Opposition in Nugegoda, he said the government was drafting a Constitution which would divide the country and betray the historic war victory.

“The leaders and people have a responsibility to safeguard the historic victory we achieved. People gathered here urged the government to give up this new Constitution,” he said.

He said what the government had promised was not to divide the country but to bestow the executive powers on the Parliament. “The government has neglected its promise and trying to bring in a deceitful Constitution instead. That is what we are opposed to,” he said.

Mr. Rajapaksa said he accepted that there was an issue in the country and added that they invited the government to resolve it but it rejected their invitation due to the influence by the international community. “The international community forced the government not to deal with me as I did not bow down to them and I said and did what I wanted,” he said.

He said the government had put the country in a debt trap and added that it had done nothing from the loans obtained.

“There is noting the government has done from the loans obtained. It claims that the loans were obtained to repay the loans. But it is an utter lie. We had obtained long term loans. They are selling State institutions, lands and ports. We warn the people who purchase these State property to be careful. Those who plundered billions of rupees from the Central Bank scam are trying to launch TV channels, newspapers and banks. We warn them and we will seize all the money defrauded as soon as we came to power,” he said.

The former President said the GSP+ facility was removed during his tenure as the per capita income was increased in the country and added that the present government was going to embrace the GSP+ facility when other countries were leaving it due to the conditions imposed. “We urge the government not to destroy our culture and tradition by agreeing to disastrous conditions. It is a clear indication as where this government is heading to," he said.

Prof. G.L. Peiris said it was a ploy of the SLFP to invite the Joint Opposition members to join it and added that they would not get caught to it.

Several JO parliamentarians, including Gamini Lokuge, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Udhaya Gammanpila and Vasudewa Nanayakkara addressed the rally. (Ajith Siriwardana)

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Comments - 19

MR Saturday, 28 January 2017 10:47 AM

18th constitute amendment is the best example to show the greedy of power of MR. No one wants to drag him to the politics again..

Perera Friday, 03 February 2017 04:17 PM

MR pls remember that we are not fools to believe you anymore

Andrew Saunders Thursday, 02 February 2017 06:41 PM

Is there a new definition to the word FORCED

Hubert Wednesday, 01 February 2017 01:56 PM

we will send you packing again soon

Janatha Tuesday, 31 January 2017 05:21 PM

he wanted to retire from politics, go home and rest. this was why he held Presidential 2 year prior and give responsibilities to someone else. Paradise of jokers

Justice Monday, 30 January 2017 11:44 AM

What a joke then why did you ammend the constitution to stay in power forever. And we remember after you lost how you were whining about your loss blaming the minority. You lost because of a reason that is introducing abnormal amounts of corruption to the country. From the day you lost you wanted to come back to power.

kalu Monday, 30 January 2017 10:35 AM

that is why you wanted a third term ha ha ha

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 30 January 2017 09:53 AM

The single reason you want to get back to politics is due to the many investigations taking place against you and the 40 thieves plus your close family members, which are gradually maturing. The war crimes issues where if a tribunal is commissioned may indicate you and your brothers involvement is also another fear for your return to power inorder to nullify all these criminal acts. This is the truth and nothing but the truth.

Mohan G. W. Sunday, 29 January 2017 09:57 PM

Sir, The people want you back in active politics because you are an asset to Mother Lanka. The international community is happy with the present government because MS, RW

johan Saturday, 28 January 2017 12:07 PM

MS did not bring him back to politics.His conscience will answer his pretext

Jagath Leanage Saturday, 28 January 2017 07:41 AM

What you are saying may be true . He would have done it with good intention , that is to develop our country . Not steal and to ruin it .

Lord Wolfstein Saturday, 28 January 2017 10:04 AM

A stupid excuse to interfere with politics is hardly possible any more.

TONY Saturday, 28 January 2017 09:50 AM

JOKE OF THE CENTURY. IN FACT IT WAS MS WHO FORCED HIM TO RETIRE, BUT HIS GREED FOR POWER DID NOT ALLOW MR TO DO SO

Sri Lankan Saturday, 28 January 2017 09:30 AM

Whooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TJ Saturday, 28 January 2017 09:18 AM

That shows that we are running short of leaders.

spirit Saturday, 28 January 2017 09:10 AM

This government will not long last. The poor ruling will ruin the island.

upali Saturday, 28 January 2017 09:01 AM

Yes you have to give the leadership to the masses at this dangerous status of Sri Lankan social,, Political and foreign affairs which are in doldrums with the present rulers.

Nihal Amarasekera Saturday, 28 January 2017 08:44 AM

True in a sense; because its only due to the most unexpected and uncalled for governance practice, quite against the promises that paved the way for MR to reemerge. In a truer sense it should have read as "Ranil made it easier for me to come back to politics". All in all this doesn't mean MR era was better.

manage Saturday, 28 January 2017 07:45 AM

Until you alive all can corrupt the mother land.that is their only intention

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President Sirisena brought me back to politics: MR

Comments - 19

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