Confident Opposition urges President to allow smooth transfer of power on Friday

Monday, 5 January 2015 00:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Pledges to ensure safety of President Rajapaksa’s family

UNP MP Mangala Samaraweera addressing the press conference yesterday

Striking a confident note, the opposition yesterday urged President Rajapaksa to allow a smooth transition of power if he is defeated in Thursday’s election, and pledged to ensure the safety of his family. Addressing a press conference yesterday, UNP Spokesman Mangala Samaraweera said it was near certain that Opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena would win Thursday’s poll with a majority of at least 56%. “I take this opportunity to request President Mahinda Rajapaksa to ensure a peaceful and immediate transition when the results are announced on Friday. In return the new President will ensure the safety and security of President Rajapaksa and his family,” he said. Samaraweera said the Opposition would not allow a witch-hunt against President Rajapaksa’s supporters. “We are urging people all over the country to be peaceful when results are announced and to share a piece of kiribath with everyone in their villages and neighbourhoods, whether they voted for the Opposition or not,” Samaraweera urged. (DB)