MR rejects Anura Kumara's challenge

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid homage to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya this morning (August 06). He later responded to questions posed by journalists on accusations by Anura Kumara Dissanayake on deals with the PM. "They are the ones who set up deals, not us. Deals were struck during the previous election and that's continuing. Even today the prime minister and the President are working with them. So they say what the Prime Minister wants" stated the former President. Journalists also inquired whether he is ready to face JVP leader Anura Kumara in an open debate, Mahinda Rajapaksa responded by questioning "who engages in debates with him?" When asked about the investigations being conducted by the Government, Rajapaksa noted that all the investigations are continuing and that he has received word that they are about to file some cases as well. On the subject of the Singapore Free Trade Agreement, the Former President noted that suitable steps should be taken to reconsider the agreement because some of the terms in it are highly detrimental to the country.