SLPP rejects claims on Hizbullah's candidacy to indirectly support Gotabhaya

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has rejected claims that former governor M L A M Hizbullah is contesting this year's presidential election to indirectly support presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Allegations have been levelled against SLPP candidate Rajapaksa stating that Hizbullah had come forward as an independent candidate to break the votes of the minorities which would otherwise be received by rival candidates.

The SLPP also dismissed allegations that Ceylon Thowheed Jamath (CTJ) General Secretary Abdul Razik, who is accused of making derogatory remarks against the Buddhist faith, has pledged his support to Rajapaksa.

"We vehemently oppose both these allegations," Dallas Alahapperuma, Spokesman for Rajapaksa, was quoted as saying in a statement.

Alahapperuma stated that what should be done is to question the policies of SLPP candidate Rajapaksa and not engage in unethical activities through the media.