SLFP chairmanship: I would not have accepted had I known what it entailed: MS

25 April 2016 08:49 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Maitripala Sirisena said he would not have accepted the chairmanship of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) had he had any foreknowledge of the harassment he would be subjected to when running the party's affairs.

Addressing a political meeting in Ambalangoda on Saturday, he said he assumed that he would receive the same degree of cooperation enjoyed by the party’s past leaders when he was elected to the post, with members having raised both hands.

“Yet, as the SLFP leader, I am ready to stand up to these harassments. When I was relaxing at my residence after being sworn in as president, 20-odd SLFPers came to me and asked me to accept the party leadership. I was taken aback. I had been surprised when I was chosen as the common opposition candidate for the Presidential Election. Disciplinary inquiries were pending against me. I inquired what former president Mahinda Rajapaksa would do about my taking up the chairmanship. They told me that Mr. Rajapaksa’s concurrence was secured prior to offerring the leadership to me,” he said.

Mr. Sirisena said he had sought a verbal assurance from Mr. Rajapaksa.

He said the party should be built up properly before forming a government. However, he asked whether the people needed a new government. He said there were a lot of things that should have been done during the post war period.

“Unless we do them now, the eruption of another war will be imminent,” he said.

He stressed the need for a national approach to prevent northern youths taking up arms again.

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Comments - 14

Sharon Monday, 25 April 2016 09:46 AM

Knowing you, we are not surprised about your comment. But WOW.....Read more news papers Sir...

mahinda Monday, 25 April 2016 10:24 AM

Politcal traitors will have to face Dittadammavedaneeya kamma acts.The bro.had it.

Lankan Monday, 25 April 2016 12:13 PM

It is not too late to give it up and focus on developing the country as you have already promised that you will not contest again.

Shifa Monday, 25 April 2016 12:15 PM

Sir, it is a good quality to be able admit one's ignorance without acting as if one knows everything when one really does not. But you being president, citizens expect something better.

meldan Monday, 25 April 2016 12:22 PM

havent you seen it at least in a newspaper Mr.President via DM Android App

Mahal amar Monday, 25 April 2016 12:52 PM

You are worried about youth in North. What about youth in other parts of the country.

Reality Monday, 25 April 2016 01:19 PM

Dear President Sirisena you have to remember that you has hoppers the night before and betrayed the last leader the next day. I think there is a word call retribution in the English language.

Yaha Pa Lanuwa Monday, 25 April 2016 01:23 PM

Stop shouting about minor matters. Turn towards North and look what's happening there.

Wele Vidane Monday, 25 April 2016 03:42 PM

Sir, we are lucky at least now you have started reading newspapers.

sarath Monday, 25 April 2016 05:10 PM

I am sure if you had known the responsibilities of the president you would not have accepted it at all.

Sam Fernando Monday, 25 April 2016 06:57 PM

Dear Sir, You are still not too late. Reign at once!

CE Tuesday, 26 April 2016 12:36 PM

Sir, finally don't say " I would not accept the country , if i know the end will be disaster"

Nihal Tuesday, 26 April 2016 12:54 PM

So you are short-sighted......

andenawa Tuesday, 26 April 2016 01:38 PM

Wondering what would you do back then if youve known the responsibilities of presidency. via DM Android App

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SLFP chairmanship: I would not have accepted had I known what it entailed: MS

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