Nomination as presidential candidate a noble mission : Gota

Former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has referred to his nomination as a presidential candidate as being a “noble mission entrusted by people-oriented” forces that hope to create a political revolution in the country.

Addressing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP)’s annual convention in which he was nominated as the candidate, Mr. Rajapaksa stated that he would not allow anyone to infringe Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.

“We must maintain healthy relationships with all friendly countries. However, we will never betray our independence at the behest of any foreign power,” he said.

The opposition presidential candidate stated that if elected to power, his first task would be to ensure national security. “I have complete confidence that we will once again be able to make Sri Lanka one of the most peaceful, secure, and safe countries in the world,” he said.

While pointing out that there was a need to live unitedly among all communities, Rajapaksa, who headed the country’s security apparatus during the war, said he would not allow extremist terrorism in the country.

Rajapaksa said he has proven that he can provide a leadership that is disciplined, corruption free, people-oriented and patriotic as expected by the people.