Jubilant Fonseka game for a common Presidential candidate

Tuesday, 1 April 2014 01:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Claims his civic right restored following the controversial voting; vows to represent people at next elections

A jubilant Leader of the impressive Democratic Party (DP) Sarath Fonseka yesterday was said he was game for a common candidate at the next presidential election saying a regime change is critical for the future of Sri Lanka. “We are not prepared to support anyone but we will support a common candidate, who has a good track record,” the former Army Commander told journalists yesterday after the party widely considered an underdog secured emphatic victory of 12 seats at the polls for Western and Southern provincial councils. Fonseka said the DP was ready to support a joint effort by all opposition parties to topple this government while maintaining their separate identities. Elated at his party’s electoral success, Fonseka said DP members, supporters and well-wishers were happy about this achievement amid so many obstacles and hardships. “As a political party we are only about a year old, but we competed with powerful and experienced political parties and therefore the votes and the number of seats we obtained is by no means considerable,” Fonseka said at the briefing flanked by his wife Anoma and Deputy Leader Jayantha Ketagoda. Fonseka said the DP was also glad about the increased number of votes obtained by other political parties at this election. Commenting on the controversial voting whilst restrictions on civic rights were persisting, Fonseka claimed that his freedom has been restored and he would contest at future elections. He said that having had the opportunity of casting his vote at the elections to the Western Provincial Council meant he could also represent the people at a future election.