Firm stance not to allow Rajapaksa’s return

Mahinda Rajapaksa is most unlike to secure the prime ministerial candidature at the upcoming general election as senior leaders who have gained control of the SLFP are vehemently against it, despite attempts towards that by certain partners of the UPFA, say SLFP sources.

The party expects to face the election without naming a prime ministerial candidate, Ravaya reports.

Wimal, Gammanpila opposed

Senior leaders are also opposing Rajapaksa loyalists Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila contesting together with the SLFP. Therefore, it is improbable that the two of them will get nominations from the UPFA, said a senior spokesman of the party.

The spokesman cited those who support Rajapaksa gain public attraction and top the UPFA list in the districts as the reason.

Senior SLFP leaders want to contest under a new leadership after defeating attempts by Wimal Weerawansa and regional politicians who had amassed wealth through development projects to bring Rajapaksa back to politics, he added.