I will contest as the Common Candidate - Maithripala Sirisena
“I thank all political parties and political groups for selecting me as the Common Candidate,” the Minister of Health said, speaking at a special press conference held in Colombo today.
said hehe anka and the current election system.
The Minister said he would also reinstate the 17th Amendment and abolish the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, which allows for unlimited terms for the President.
Also he said that once elected he would appoint current Opposition Leader and UNP leader Ranil Wickramasinghe as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
Sirisena’s defection from the government is the biggest political setback in recent times for the Rajpaksa regime in history.
Sisisena accused the regime of concentrating all power in his family and taking the country toward authoritarianism.
The press briefing was also attended by former President Chandrika Bandranaike Kumaratunga, Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne, Education Services Minister Duminda Dissanayake, Buddha Sasana & Religious Affairs Deputy Minister M.K.D.S. Gunawardana, MPs Wasantha Senanayake, Arjuna Ranatunga and Rajiva Wijesingha.
Minister Rajitha Senaratne, speaking at the press briefing, said he is abandoning his ministerial portfolio, his privileges and is putting his life at stake to support Sirisena at the next Presidential Election.
He also apologized to the public for 18th Amendment to the Constitution, which he termed as a big “sin.”
Former President Chandrika Bandranaike Kumaratunga, also speaking at the press briefing, said that she would provide her utmost support to Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Election and thereby help rebuild this country.
Chandrika said that she endured various hardships during the 9 years after the end of her term as President and that even her children opposed her decision to re-enter this political movement, in fear for their lives.
Meanwhile it was earlier reported that the UNP’s G20 Election Committee and Parliamentary Group has endorsed Maithripala Sirisena as the common candidate to run for the presidential election.