India’s former minister says Namal’s entry as presidential candidate welcomed

August 18 - India's former cabinet minister and BJP member, Subramanian Swamy said that Namal Rajapaksa's entry as a Presidential candidate was welcomed as the Rajapaksa tradition was to accept India as a 'family'. 

In response to a statement by SLPP Politburea member from the Northern Province, Geethanath Cassilingham, saying that Namal will launch his maiden Presidential rally on August 21, Swamy said there was a warm welcome for Namal in India because unlike leaders in other neighboring countries, the Rajapaksas were welcomed due to Mahinda Rajapaksa ending the war against the LTTE.