Prez can do whatever he likes about my father’s official residence: Namal

• If the government is under the impression that issues affecting the people could be resolved by suppressing rival political forces, it is sadly mistaken

By Dayaratne Embogama   

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake can do whatever he wants about my father’s official residence as we are ready to move out of it any time if we are asked to do so, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said.   

Speaking to media on the Gamin Gamata (Village to Village ) programme in Anuradhapura, Namal said the government is free to do anything about the official residence.

. “ the President can even sell it with the cabinet approval if he wishes to but we are ready to move out of it,” he said.   

Much has been said about former President Rajapaksa’s official residence. However the government avoids talking about the sky rocketing cost of living. If the government was under the impression that issues affecting the people could be resolved by suppressing rival political forces, it is sadly mistaken. The government must hold a formal investigation of any frauds or malpractice without attempting to gain political mileage from it” he added.   

 “The United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) share a host of similarities. It will be good for the democracy if a dialogue between the two parties takes place and becomes effective. Any alliance should be based on principles and should not suppress another group. It was SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa who introduced the concept of political alliance. We believe it that concept. However SLPP has not decided to joint any joint opposition alliance. 

Majority of SLPP members are of the view that the party should contest the local government election alone. 

We can think of joining a broad opposition alliance later,” he said.