SLPP accuses UNP of attempting to block Gotabhaya's Presidential candidature

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) today (Oct 2) accused the United National Party (UNP) of trying to prevent the presidential candidature of Gotabhaya Rajapaksa by moving court.

Dullas Alahapperuma, a spokesman for the SLPP candidate, made these remarks in the backdrop of an ongoing case challenging the dual citizenship of Rajapaksa.

Alahapperuma told a news conference that the case had been filed by some Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) members for the UNP's political gain.

"Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who is 70 years old, had been a Sri Lankan citizen for 68 years," the spokesman said recalling that Rajapaksa had obtained US citizenship in 2003.

He added that Rajapaksa had obtained Sri Lankan citizenship again in 2005 to undertake the responsibility of defeating the LTTE - a task which three Executive Presidents had failed to achieve.

Alahapperuma queried as to why these NGO's did not move court against the government over the central bank bond scam case, Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, and for tampering with the electoral system.

Civil society activists, Gamini Viyangoda and Prof. Chandraguptha Thenuwara had moved court arguing that the dual citizenship of Rajapaksa was invalid. The case is being heard at the Appeal Court.

(Pics by Sameera Weerasekara)