Joint Opposition Parliamentarian Vasudeva Nanayakkara says that former defense secretary and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s younger brother Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is not a suitable presidential candidate from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) because of his military career.
Speaking at a media briefing Sunday MP Nanayakkara said Basil Rajapaksa, former minister and the younger brother of former president, is also not a suitable candidate.
Former Speaker and Hambanthota district MP Chamal Rajapaksa, the older brother of the former president is the best candidate from the Joint Opposition to run for president in 2020, MP Nanayakkara said.
The MP states that his group needs votes of the moderates and the people representing different groups as well as the votes of the Tamils and Muslims. He added that Gotabhaya or Basil cannot obtain those votes.
Vasudeva Nanayakkara says that, if Gotabhaya or Basil is presented as presidential candidates, they will be able to secure about 40 percent of the votes and 40 percent of the votes will be doubtful. “It will be difficult for Gotabhaya to win. We need 51 percent of the votes,” he said.
Responding to a media question, Mr. Nanayakkara said Gotabhaya Rajapaksa will not be able to secure the democratic moderate votes. He added that the people of the country are not fond of Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s military ways and certain military actions taken during his tenure as defense secretary.
