Mahinda pledges to continue in politics as an MP

UPFA Kurunegala District MP and ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who led the UPFA campaign as de facto prime ministerial hopeful, conceded defeat in a brief statement yesterday and pledged to continue in politics as a Member of Parliament.

“I accept with humility, the result of the Parliamentary election that just concluded,” Rajapaksa said in a signed statement released to the media. He said his party had faced ‘unprecedented obstacles’ in Monday’s election.



“I will continue to engage in politics, in keeping with the people’s mandate and function within Parliament to safeguard the nation and the democratic system,” Rajapaksa said.

On a verified Twitter account, Rajapaksa thanked all those who supported his campaign. “Our strength comes from all of you who have a deep love for our country,” he said. (DB)