26 September 2019 08:35 pm
The UNP is divided into two factions and is fighting like cockerels for candidacy and the country cannot be developed by giving power to fighting cockerels, SLPP Leader and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said.
He said this at the national convention of a collective of family members of war heroes held in Colombo on Wednesday.
“One UNP faction is holding rallies asking for the candidacy while the other continues to reject him. Even if these two factions agreed and nominate one person, for the time being, their fights will continue if elected and there will be no time to serve the country,” Mr. Rajapaksa said. “Therefore, for an atmosphere without fights, vote for Gotabaya Rajapaksa because Mahinda Rajapaksa is also with him. The country can’t be developed by giving power to fighting cockerels. If Gotabaya was elected President, he will commit to creating a peaceful country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rajapaksa said the 19th Amendment has created two powerhouses in the country which was an obstacle to development. “One is the PM and the other is the President. When both are equal, the PM won’t do what the President says and the President won’t do what the PM says. This struggle has intensified over time and the government has become incompetent,” he said.
Quote -- One UNP faction is holding rallies asking for the candidacy while the other continues to reject him. Even if these two factions agreed and nominate one person, for the time being, their fights will continue if elected and there will be no time to serve the country. (Lahiru Pothmulla)