Gota says will not accept any post

Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa will not accept any position in the newly-formed Maithripala-Mahinda Government, his spokesman said yesterday. 

Rajapaksa’s Spokesman Milinda Rajapaksa confirmed to Daily FT that the former Defence Secretary would not accept any post in the Government.

Refuting media reports that he would be appointed as the new defence secretary and would assume duties next week, the former Defence Secretary said he would give his fullest support and blessings to the new Government without holding any position.

Addressing the media he called on the international community to support Mahinda Rajapaksa last Friday after the Parliamentarian and former President was sworn in as the PM.

Urging the international community to support Rajapaksa, he said that the former President was the only leader who could protect and develop the country.

“Although it was a challenge, we are confident that the new Government can develop this country and will face any issue similar to how we were able to handle challenges when ending the 30 years of war,” he said.

Rajapaksa also requested the international community not to support anyone to destabilise the country. (SS)