Only way to stop Gotabaya Rajapaksa is assassination- MP Udaya Gammanpila

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Minister Ravi Karunanayake shared his thoughts on presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa after attending a young political activist forum of the UNP. When the minister was questioned of Gotabaya Rajapaksa's controversy over his renouncement of US citizenship, the minister stated that it was better to direct the question at him. However, he added that it was customary to follow the party constitution. Journalist: "The U.S. Ambassador had said that they will wait till the end of the Presidential Election to sign agreements like ACSA and SOFA. Does it mean that they are waiting till Gotabaya Rajapaksa become President to sign these agreements?" Minister Ravi Karunanayake denied this statement and responded that everyone loves their country and they are mere statements. Journalist: "You sound like you are speaking in support of Gotabaya Rajapaksa?" Minister denied it stating that he is a member of the UNP. However, several other members of the same faction stated otherwise. Ranjan Ramanayake, State Minister of Highways and Road Development noted that it was highly unlikely for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to run for president as there are several allegations against him. He added that Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in Sri Lanka without applying for dual citizenship and he was included in the electoral list of 2005 as well. He stated that this was against the law and there is a court case on this matter. He added that in addition, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has prepared a new ID and passport to visit Singapore with aid from a minister. Minister added that this was the first time in the history where an individual with charges of murder, charges of enforced disappearances, the Avant Guard case, and the MiG deal has been announced as the presidential candidate. Nalin Bandara, Deputy Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade shared the same thought and stated that Gotabaya Rajapaksa could never be the president of Sri Lanka. He added that the US is keen to appoint one of their citizens as the president of the country as it would enable to spread their influence easily in the country. Meanwhile, Udaya Gammanpila, Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya noted with utter confidence that the only way to stop Gotabaya Rajapaksa becoming the president of this country is by assassinating him. He added although Gotabaya Rajapaksa entrusted national security as the former defence secretary, he is vulnerable now. He went on to note that it was absolutely necessary to search where the nominee visits and assure his safety. He added that in developed countries such as the US the government assigns a security detail for both the candidate and his/her family. He directed his suggestion towards the president and stated that hopefully, the president would tend to the matter immediately.