RW is between a rock and a hard place

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The suggested presidential candidates for 2019 has raised serious concerns in the hearts of almost every citizen of Sri Lanka. The following opinions on the matter were expressed by several politicians in the Sri Lankan political arena. UPFA MP, Udaya Gammanpila noted that their inability to launch a proper presidential campaign in 2105 had cost Mahinda Rajapaksa his position as the head of state. He added that it was necessary to launch a campaign similar to the one they did back in 2010 where Mahinda Rajapaksa was at his peak in reputation. He finally added that people want Gotabaya Rajapaksa to be the next presidential candidate of 2019. UPFA MP, Shantha Bandara noted that if the opportunity persists they are prepared to form an alliance as both the president, Maithripala Sirisena and the former president Mahinda Rajapaksa are on the same page with the idea. He added that if they were to form an alliance they would still field a candidate for the presidential election independently. He finally added that with an alliance or independently they will attempt to reappoint Maithripala Sirisena as the president of this country. UNP MP, Harshana Rajakaruna noted that they are yet to decide on their candidate following discussions. He added that it is not decided whether Ranil Wickremesinghe is the presidential candidate for 2019 as it is necessary to be decided unanimously by MPs and the Central Working Committee. He finally noted that if it is to fail they would resort to a vote to decide the presidential candidate. Mano Ganesan, Minister of National Integration, Official Languages, Social Progress & Hindu Religious Affairs noted that their choice for a presidential candidate is Ranil Wickremesinghe, Karu Jayasuriya or Sajith Premadasa. JVP MP, Nalinda Jayathissa noted that recently prime minister has decided to be considerate about rural areas suddenly. He added that the implementation of "Sirikothen Gamata" programme is a tactic used by the prime minister to secure his leadership in the party as he has been rejected by several backbenchers of the UNP. He noted that Ranil Wickremesinghe is between a rock and a hard place. If he is not the presidential candidate he would have to give up his leadership of the UNP and if he is to be the presidential candidate he would have to leave leadership following the election. He finally added that all of Ranil Wickremesinghe's sudden interest and concern of rural areas, praising of Range Bandara and discussions with backbench UNP MPs are to safeguard his leadership, not the economy of this country.