Will field a candidate who wins definitely

Says no decision yet on Gotabaya’s candidacy 

By Lahiru Pothmulla  
Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said they would field a candidate who can definitely win the presidential election.   

Speaking to journalists after attending the oil anointing ceremony held at the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya, Mr. Rajapaksa said they have not yet made the final decision on the presidential candidate.  

“We will make a decision with the input and consent of all allies. The one who can definitely win will be fielded as the candidate,” he said.   

He said the people are suffering from taxes today without any access to even water or electricity. “We will easily win all three elections of presidential, parliamentary and provincial councils,” he said.  

When asked whether former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa - who was also present at the event - was the presidential candidate of their political camp, the opposition leader said, “No such decision has been taken,”  

However, commenting on the lawsuits filed in the US against his brother and the former defence secretary, Mr. Rajapaksa said it was likely that more cases would be filed against Gotabaya.  

“Anyone can file cases and this shows how frightened some are,” he said.