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Gotabaya promises to release security forces personnel now in custody
View(s):The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) launched its presidential election campaign from Anuradhapura with its candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa making a string of pledges including concessions to farmers and relief for those in debt. These are likely to have a series of financial implications.
After religious events in Anuradhapura the rally began around 3.00 p.m. at the Salgado play ground with ministers and MPs in attendance.
Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) parliamentarians Duminda Dissanayake and Weerakumara Dissanayaka were among those who attended the meeting, though they had earlier expressed reservations about the presidential candidate till the SLFP finally decided to support him.
Supporters were seen vigorously waving their hands and flags. They cheered throughout the meeting at which one of the main speakers was the SLPP and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, the former president of Sri Lanka.
In one of his main promises Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a controversial pledge that after he was elected he would release all security forces personnel who were in custody, because he believed some of the charges were baseless or absurd.
