If wishes to, can contest from Beliatta and get Seat in parliament in SLFP

If wishes to, can contest from Beliatta ....

and get Seat in parliament in SLFP

Mahinda has no hope of becoming President!

-- President Maithripala has told

If Ex-President Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa wishes to contest at the forthcoming general election, an opportunity can be afforded him, President Maithripala has consented. But that is, not as he aspires as a Prime Minister but as a candidate as a member of parliament. It was last Saturday that former Ministers Kumara Welgama and T.B. Ekanayaka have met the President at President's House to obtain permission for Mahinda to contest from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. On that occasion President Maithripala had said that he does not oppose Mahinda contesting and that he could contest from Beliatta Seat. He had however categorically mentioned that there is no possibility of nominating him as a candidate for the position of Prime Minister. 

It is stated in the constitution that the position of Prime Minister is bestowed by the President on a person who has obtained a majority in parliament. As such, the position of prime minister could be decided upon later on, the President had said.

General Secretary Anura Priyadarshana has invited the former President to participate at the SLFP May Day rally on May 1st. But it is reported that whether the Former president would attend it or else participate in the Kirullapona rally organised by Wimal and the clan has still not been confirmed.

It is also understood that as the parliament is expected to be dissolved towards the end of April, it is quite possible that the forthcoming general election would be held next June.