JO split on Gota for Presidency

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - There seems to be a rift forming within the joint opposition camp on fielding Gotabaya Rajapaksa as their Presidential Candidate. A party leaders meeting of the Joint Opposition was held at the official residence of Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa last night (July 10). MP Udaya Gammanpila did not attend this meeting citing that he is overseas. At the meeting, it was agreed to initiate future political activities under an alliance called Joint Podujana Peramuna. A Journalist questioned UPFA MP Kumara Welgama whether there was any discussion on bringing Gotabaya Rajapaksa to the forefront. Welgama responded by stating that they want a democratic leader and that democratic leader is former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. When asked whether he dislikes Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Kumar Welgama stated that he does not dislike him adding that Gotabaya can be stakeholders of the government, but the Head of State is none other than Mahinda Rajapaksa. UPFA MP Vasudewa Nanayakkara speaking to the media said that he believes that Chamal Rajapaksa would be the best candidate from their side. He added that Chamal would also receive votes from a central and democratic point of view. MP Vasudewa believes that Chamal Rajapaksa is the candidate with the better character, and does not see any other candidate who could surpass him regardless of what propaganda they carry out. UPFA MP Dullas Alahapperuma toed the middle line by saying that his friends in the Joint Opposition are entitled to their own opinions. He noted that there are two things that are absolute within the group, the first is that Mahinda Rajapaksa is the leader of the JO and that they stand ready to accept whatever decision he makes on the Presidential candidate.