Mahinda Rajapaksa confident Opposition can form new government

Colombo, July 5 (Daily Mirror) - Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed confidence that a new government could be formed if all opposition parties unite, stating that the opposition is currently in a strong position.

Speaking to the media after attending a religious ceremony, Rajapaksa said that cooperation among opposition parties would create the conditions necessary to establish a new administration.

Commenting on the current situation of opposition politicians, including those who are in custody, he said that although some leaders have been imprisoned, their political parties and remaining members continue to carry out their activities.

Responding to questions regarding recent legal action against members of his political circle and family, Rajapaksa alleged that the cases were politically motivated. He claimed that such actions were acts of political retaliation by the present government.

When asked about the return of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa to Sri Lanka, the former President said he was unaware of his schedule and that the question should be directed to Basil Rajapaksa himself.