President decides to be neutral

President Maithripala Sirisena said he would remain neutral at the general election and won’t back former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He said that he is against Mr. Rajapaksa and that there are many seniors he could appoint as Prime Minister in the event the SLFP wins at the general elections.

He said that irrespective of the party that comes to power, he wants those who could carry his pledges forward to be elected. President Sirisena said that he was totally against the granting of nominations to Mahinda Rajapaksa, and said that Mr. Rajapaksa would lose the upcoming general elections similar to his loss on January 8. Addressing the nation this evening head of state went on to say, Step are been taken to appoint Mahinda Rajapaksa through national list. By dissolving the parliament we have stopped no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe. If they pass the no- confidence motion UPFA member would be appointed as Prime Minister of this country.