Navin, Gota exchange praise over presidency prospects

• It is only with the Sinhala Buddhist votes that a government could be formed or toppled
• Gota hopes navin will accomplish what his father could not 

Plantations Minister Navin Dissanayake called former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa a future presidential candidate while Mr. Rajapaksa in his subsequent speech referred to Minister Dissanayake’s father-in-law Speaker Karu Jayasuriya also as a candidate for presidency.   

The duo expressed these views at an event held on Wednesday at Sri Gautama Viharaya in Narahenpita.   

 Prior to handing over the stage to Mr. Rajapaksa, Mr. Dissanayake swiftly said Mr. Gotabaya was a future presidential candidate occupied with a hectic schedule. “It is only with the Sinhala Buddhist votes that a government could be formed or toppled. We fervently believe the right person will be given the deserving position,” he said.   

On the other hand, Mr. Rajapaksa said he was thankful to Mr. Dissanayake for calling him a presidential candidate. “I hope you will accomplish what your father could not. I wish you all the very best. However, I know for sure that your father-in-law will be a presidential candidate,” he said.   

Duo expressed these views at the Gautama Viharaya