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MR too old at 70 to form new party: Rajitha

30 August 2016 08:24 am - 20     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Taking a swipe at moves by the joint opposition to from a new party headed by ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa, Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne said yesterday such attempts were not conducive for a person who was 70 years of age.

At a ceremony held to welcome the new SLFP organizer for Beruwala, M.M.M.Amjad, the minister said actor turned politician Vijaya Kumaratunga formed the Mahajana Paksaya at the peak of his popularity and at a relatively young age. Therefore, he had a huge backing from voters young and old.

“Mr. Rajapaksa’s attempt to form a new party at this old age with a group of old and bankrupt fellow travellers is a big joke. They will be exposed at the forthcoming local government polls. It a pity that they had failed to realize that they are at the tail end of their political life and a large number of joint opposition members will not be seen in the next Parliament,” the minister said.

"The modus operandi of the Rajapaksa gang in 2014 was to win elections by spreading racism and ethnic disharmony. This conspiracy was hatched by Gotabaya. He even sent a group to Beruwala to defeat me at the polls. Certain Muslim businessmen worked in cahoots with them. But a big majority of Muslims in Beruwala led by Amjad supported me and ensured my victory. That is why I recommended him to the President to be appointed as SLFP organizer in Beruwala," he added.

The minister said Mahinda and Gotabaya must be ashamed of being the sons of D.A. Rajapaksa because Rajapaksa senior was a great politician who never resorted to crime, racial hatred and anti-national activities and would wriggle in shame if he knew what his sons were doing today.

He said the SLFP recognised the five powerful forces in Sri Lanka -- Sangha, Veda, Guru, Govi, Kamkaru under the concepts of justice, fair play, democracy and non alignment but the SLFP was turned into a house of rogues by Mahinda Rajapaksa's brothers and sons.

"It had now became a haven for money launderers, rapists, thugs, rogue businessmen and tavern owners. There is no doubt that if this gang forms a new party, it will be funded by all these criminals and racketeers,” the minister said.

He said in Sri Lanka’s history politicians in the calibre of Maithripala Senanayaka, Anura Bandaranaike, Chandrika and Vijaya, Lalith Athulathmudali and Gamini Dissanayaka tried to form new political parties after defecting either from the UNP or the SLFP but no one succeeded though both parties remain intact and strong as ever.

The minister said he was going through a transitional period or in a ‘Gandabba’ position (a position between death and rebirth) and added his main task at this time was to strengthen the unity between President Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe through a bridge of unity and understanding and the task has been extremely successful. (Sandun A Jayasekera)


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  Comments - 20

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  • daily boru Tuesday, 30 August 2016 11:55 AM

    Never too old to jump from parties.

    Cobra Wednesday, 31 August 2016 04:58 AM

    Gotcha!!!

    Aba Jayasekera Tuesday, 30 August 2016 09:34 PM

    Comparisons are drawn with JR's age of over 70. But at this age JR became President. MR cannot even think of taking part in elections till 2020 when he will be 75. He may have a chance of winning in 2025 when he will be 80. Will he be fit to hold the post then ? If not no one will vote for him.

    CharlesPerera Tuesday, 30 August 2016 08:10 PM

    What is the use of making some meaningful comment if you do not publish. You publish only nonsensical and idotic comments.

    Wele Vidane Tuesday, 30 August 2016 04:17 PM

    Strong heart not bypassed.

    Waco Tuesday, 30 August 2016 03:46 PM

    There is no position call " Gandabba " between death and re-birth.You are an Anandian and correct yourself.

    ANTON Tuesday, 30 August 2016 02:50 PM

    20 YEARS ......... ..... WITH 50 YEARS CORRUPTIVE EXPERIENCE.

    dham Tuesday, 30 August 2016 01:30 PM

    New party is only a slogan for cold war between two parties never happen. via DM Android App

    Manel Tuesday, 30 August 2016 01:25 PM

    Doctors know best about ages.

    Lokka Tuesday, 30 August 2016 11:59 AM

    God knows where you'll have to hide after few years. via DM Android App

    lali Tuesday, 30 August 2016 09:31 AM

    Ha ha ha. How old are you ?

    surath Tuesday, 30 August 2016 11:54 AM

    You're absolutely right Rajitha!

    Daham Tuesday, 30 August 2016 11:22 AM

    MR is 70 years old, but his heart is original and strong. The person who says that MR is too old is probably has only two(2) more years to reach that number and his heart is neither original nor strong.

    Ajja Tuesday, 30 August 2016 11:03 AM

    Age is not a barrier. Don't you remember JR was in his 70s when he became the President.

    sigiriya Tuesday, 30 August 2016 10:50 AM

    The new party is a desperate project to escape justice. It looks like all those in the Joint Opposition have no alternative!

    jolly good Tuesday, 30 August 2016 10:24 AM

    THOUGH HE IS VERY OLD (70) HIS GREEDY SOUL IS VERY YOUNG HUNTING FOR POWER DAY AND NIGHT. via DM Android App

    pachabahu Tuesday, 30 August 2016 10:17 AM

    Shivering in our boots. It will be the end of the road for the dentist.

    Shelly Tuesday, 30 August 2016 10:15 AM

    Age is not a barrier for Lankans.

    The Godfather Tuesday, 30 August 2016 09:47 AM

    Can you pls set him up a place where he can tell tales to old people.

    Tuesday, 30 August 2016 09:34 AM

    Too/over ambitious.


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