Dinesh Gunawardena says Opp. Leader Rajapaksa to lead next Govt

Amidst reports of being appointed as Prime Minister, Parliamentarian Dinesh Gunawardena said today (Nov 20) that opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa will lead the next government.

Addressing a news conference, Gunawardena said the new government under the premiership of Rajapaksa will lead the country “to the next stage” as expected by their party.

Meanwhile, Parliamentarian Dullas Alahapperuma “expressed regret” over the conduct of some Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) supporters after SLPP candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s victory at the poll.

"We express regret if our supporters had lit firecrackers outside mosques or the houses of UNP supporters," the SLPP spokesman said.

Alahapperuma, responding to a query said the new government, upon obtaining advice of the Attorney General will release suspects remanded either over false charges or without cases being filed against them.

He cited the example of SDIG Anura Senanayake who has been remanded over the killing of ruggerite Wasim Thajudeen, for more than a year.

"We will inquire about those who looted public wealth. But not by bending or breaking the law," the spokesman noted.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara said his party will seek a five-year mandate during the Parliamentary poll, in order to support President Rajapaksa in rebuilding the country.

The SLFP and the SLPP have inked an agreement to contest under a common symbol at the upcoming parliamentary election.

(Pics by Indika Handuwala)