Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa pledges to support Ranil

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will continue to have the support of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna to move the country forward.

The former President and former Prime Minister, attending a public meeting held in Kalutara, said that he believed that President Wickremesinghe has returned to a 'better path'.

SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena organized the public rally under the theme, "Let's rise together from Kalutara", at his coordination office which was burned down previously.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and many MPs of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna attended the event.

The former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at the event said that despite Sri Lanka facing many challenges today, the party has the strength to overcome those challenges, and should go forward with programs that the people of the country needs. 

"I believe that the duty of a government is to understand the needs of the people and fulfill their needs. Therefore, we say that today we have taken steps to fulfill that role. " the former President said.

"Together, we should save this country and carry out its program forward," the former President said, adding that "although Wickremesinghe was scolded back then because he belonged to the UNP, he is on the right path now." 

Rajapaksa concluded by wishing President Wickremesinghe all success, and reminded him that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is working to continue this journey by supporting him.