10 February 2016 09:25 am
He told the monthly meeting of the municipal council yesterday that a group of politicians who were out to arouse communal feelings, were responsible for such short-sighted acts but the fault was attributed to the former President.
“I am an honest politician who respects former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is the fittest to rule the country. I respect him just as I respect my father. I am not scared of Maithri or Ranil. Former President Rajapaksa, during his visit to Matale, paid a courtesy call on my mother. Those around him paved the way for his downfall and continue to do so. Trishaw drivers paste the “ Sinha- Le” sticker on trishaws under the impression that it was a movement of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He lost the votes of many Sinhalese and Muslims at the presidential election due to such short-sighted acts, for which he was not responsible,”he said.
He further said he would inform the police in this regard and request that a formal investigation be launched into the matter. (M.W. Somaratne)