UPFA, Prez back Gota for country’s betterment

• Positive outcome expected from talks with SLPP

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama 

The UPFA or President Maithripala Sirisena did not want to make Gotabaya Rajapaksa the President on a personal preference or for political agendas but they believe that it would lead to the betterment of the country, UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera said.   

“We are still conducting discussions with the SLPP. We have presented several proposals. If we get a positive response there will be no more discussions and there will be no difficulty to support Gotabaya Rajapaksa,” Mr. Amaraweera said.   

He told the media at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Head Quarters yesterday that the UPFA would support Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the Presidential Candidate because he had agreed with the National Programme that they had proposed.  

“Even the President’s dream is to lead the country to success. Gotabaya Rajapaksa has done a considerable amount of work for the country and we bring him back in the faith that he would continue with his momentum to work for the welfare of the country,” he said.   “The UPFA has no intention of proposing Dallas Alahapperuma as the Presidential candidate but we admire him of his straight forwardness. The UPFA would not join the Presidential election to receive any portfolios. After Gotabaya Rajapaksa wins the election, Opposition leader will become the Prime Minister and President Maithripala Sirisena will continue with his political duties at the SLFP office,” he said.