Gota issues message before Mahinda!

Former defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has issued a message condemning the terror attacks in Brusels, Belgium.

A posting by him on his facebook page says,

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and the people of Belgium, in their hour of grief. Let terrorism not destroy the spirit of the nation and may they have the strength to overcome this tragedy. As a nation that endured the senseless devastation caused by terrorism for decades and overcame it, we can fully empathize with what you are going through - NGR”

This is the first such message he has issued after leaving his position, and it comes even before a message by ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa over the Brussels attacks.

This message is said to be the result of attempts by Gotabhaya’s close associates to pave him the way to enter politics.

They are at talks with several presidential advisers to build a friendship for Gotabhaya with president Maithripala Sirisena and secure him a top position in the SLFP, reports say.