COLOMBO (News 1st):- Gotabaya Rajapaksa attended a public rally held in Thambuththegama today (November 10). The rally was held opposite the Thambuththegama bus stand.

Addressing this rally, the SLPP Presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa said;

“They can’t win by talking about policies, they did nothing for five years. They ruined national security.. They stalled development. The local farmer, local industries, local businessmen were also destroyed. They are now spreading false rumours. They are slinging mud. That’s how they are trying to win. I’m especially here to tell you that we will change this political culture. That is why I never spoke about anyone. I only spoke about my policies and what I’m going to do. I request you to not be deceived by this political culture of fake promises, fake rumours and mudslinging, during these upcoming five days, act wisely.”

Meanwhile attending another public rally held in Wellawaya, Presidential Candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa made the following comments;

“We have presented a clear plan and a strategy to develop the economy and our country. Protecting the local farmer is our duty. We will develop the agriculture and plantation industry. We as a future government will support the development of the sugar cane industry. We will also provide relief to every industry in terms of utilities such as gas, electricity, and water. We must eradicate poverty in Sri Lanka. The manifesto we have presented is people-focused. Our target is to lift the poor from poverty and reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.”

Leader of the SLPP, Mahinda Rajapksa was also in attendance at this rally. Speaking to the people gathered at the rally, he said;

“They continue to sling mud at us. There is a claim that Gotabaya Rajapaksa had purchased tickets to fly to the US on the 17th of this month. They have created a fake photograph and shared it. Gotabaya is not going to the US. So don’t worry. The SLPP will win and Gotabaya Rajapaksa will be the next president of this country. These are nothing but fake rumours. I saw this on facebook. So various factions will sling mud at us. They did the same thing in 2005. In 2015, it was even worse. They called us thieves.”

• President wants new approach to promote tourism; Refers to Anuradhapura Era tourism promotion
• Rescuers break through to 41 workers trapped in tunnel for 16 days in Indian state of Uttarakhand
• SLRC & SLBC will become a ‘public company’ due to continuous losses
• Japan extends Rs. 238 Mn to demining projects
• Delaying elections sets a bad precedent – PAFFREL