Presidential candidate of Pohottuwa... Gotabhaya

Presidential candidate of ... Gotabhaya

Former President, opposition leader Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa mentioned at the Podu Jana Peramuna assembly held at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday that former defence secretary Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa would be the Presidential candidate of Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna. No sooner Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's name was announced, supporters of that party engaging in revelry were seen with fire crackers being lit all over
the country.

As such, a launch of propaganda was thus to be observed targeting the forthcoming Presidential election at the end of year 2019. Presidential candidate, Gotabhaya was seen travelling to to worship Kelani vihara and brother Mahinda too was observed in his company. It is reported that Mr. Gotabhaya was to proceed to Anuradhapura to worship the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya and to receive its blessings.

Since stalwarts of the SLFP such as S.B, Dilan, Amunugama and Anura Priyadarshana had joined at the time Gotabhaya's name was announced, signs of a rift in the SLFP - Maithri party was evident. Various opinions are afloat as to what decision would be taken by others left out, such as Dayasiri, Amaraweera and Duminda Dissanayaka. The dream of acquiring Pohottuwa  votes on the side of Maithripala Sirisena to make him a Presidential candidate within this situation where this nomination has been confirmed; discussions of the SLFP have collapsed.

At the same time, Sajith being named as the Presidential candidate of the UNP is reported from that camp and under such circumstances the necessity to nominate a candidate who could give a good contest has now cropped up.