Basil Rajapaksa - next presidential candidate of SLPP?

COLOMBO (News1st): Basil Rajapaksa is ideally the next presidential candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, ruling party lawmaker Sahan Pradeep has said. "Basil Rajapaksa is the only intelligent and eligible candidate who is capable of working together with other parties while serving for the country," Pradeep told reporters on Thursday. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna parliamentarian also said that individuals attempting to destroy the party will not be able to success in their objectives. "There are no crooks in the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna," Pradeep insisted dismissing remarks made to that effect by minister Wimal Weerawansa. He pointed out that certain individuals, who are opposing the president, are claiming credit for the victory of the war under Mahinda Rajapaksa's presidency. "...it must be remembered that he (Mahinda Rajapaksa) was able to do so while Gotabhaya Rajapaksa served as his Defence Secretary," Pradeep said.