SLPP confident of winning minority votes at Presidential poll : Prof. G.L. Peiris

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) today (Oct 14) expressed confidence that its Presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa would win minority votes at the upcoming election.

“Gotabhaya Rajapaksa will receive around 75 percent of the Buddhist votes. However, we need the support of all communities,” SLPP Chairman Professor G.L. Peiris said.

Prof. Peiris, during a news conference, declared that SLPP candidate Rajapaksa will announce his manifesto on October 18.

Citing the recent anti-Muslim clashes, he accused the government of hoodwinking the Muslim community by making false promises, during its race for power in 2015.

“A change has taken place (in the mindset) of the Muslim community. We know that very well. They have told us about that,” the SLPP Chairman claimed.

He observed that the problems of the people in the Northern and the Eastern Province have gone unheard since their provincial councils had dissolved.

"The Tamil people do not bear the same mentality that existed in 2015," Prof. Peiris remarked.

He blamed the government for disabling the country's intelligence units, stressing that the Easter Sunday bombings which killed over 250, could not have been organised within a span of a few days.

"This is why a need has arisen to go for a change (in the government)," the SLPP Chairman insisted.

He also held the government responsible, for factors which he cited, such as the rising cost of living, depreciation of the rupee, and the lack of employment opportunities.