Gotabhaya Rajapaksa nominated as SLPP’s Presidential candidate

Former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has been nominated as the Presidential candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said during the SLPP annual convention today (Aug 11).

Former President Rajapaksa was appointed as the President of the SLPP by its Chairman Professor G.L. Peiris at the event held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

During his address, the new SLPP President emphasised that it is only a disciplined leader who can create a disciplined country adding that the country requires a leader who can ensure national security at all times.

Further, he said that it was important to nominate a leader who would safeguard the independence of the judiciary, develop the agricultural sector along with the resources of the country and its region.

Mr. Rajapaksa claimed that the current government had deceived the country's youth by making false promises such as providing free WiFi. "Ultimately, a tax of Rs 50 was imposed on reload cards," he said.

Commenting on the presidential candidate, the party president stated that it was not his choice which was important, but the people's choice of a leader who has a long vision for the country. "Whether or not I chose the candidate, you (the people) have already made the choice," former President Rajapaksa remarked.