MR denies obtaining SLPP membership

COLOMBO (News 1st) - In a special interview with a weekend newspaper, opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa denied obtaining membership of the SLPP (Sri Lankan Podujana Peramuna). Rajapaksa noted that requesting for membership and granting it are two different matters and that applying for it alone is insufficient. When inquired about an image of him accepting what looked to be an SLPP membership card, Rajapaksa stated that it was not a membership card adding that he had merely distributed them. He further added that he is a member of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) for life since he is a senior advisor to the party, MR claimed that senior advisors do not change sides.