Maithri’s letter confirms UPFA victory, says Susil

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Lawyers Society yesterday alleged that the hard-hitting letter issued by President Maithripala Sirisena to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was an insult to the latter’s character as a UPFA candidate in the general election.

Issuing a letter, the society stated that President Sirisena’s letter had also violated the Parliament Election Act.

They also pointed out that that letter was full of false sentences which could affect Rajapaksa’s vote base.

By Chamodi Gunawardana

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) yesterday charged that President Maithripala Sirisena’s letter to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was a key indicator of the party’s victory.

Quoting sections of the letter, UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha asserted that the UPFA was not affected by it.

“We were never demotivated because of the President’s letter. He has shown that he believes in the winning possibility of the UPFA. We will go forward to complete the wishes of the majority of the progressive people,” Premajayantha emphasised.

He also said that the UPFA had got very positive feedback and results due to the President’s letter.

“This election is the best election which the UPFA has been working for in a united manner. However we faced a number of challenges and false allegations. Nevertheless we have strengthened our winning power because of the President’s letter,” Premajayantha stressed.

Attacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, UPFA Colombo District Candidate Wimal Weerawansa queried why Rajapaksa couldn’t be premier when he had a mandate when Wickremesinghe was Premier without a mandate.

“Wickremesinghe used President Sirisena’s mandate to become Prime Minister. However, Rajapaksa will obtain the mandate to be the next prime minister at the upcoming election. We are confident about our victory as well as Rajapaksa’s prime ministerial position,” Weerawansa asserted.

Meanwhile, UPFA Colombo District Candidate Udaya Gammanpila charged that the United National Party (UNP) did not have options any other options for the post of prime minister other than Wickremesinghe.

“President Sirisena has nominated seven other seniors for the premier portfolio from the UPFA because it has alternatives. However, the UNP does not have any other suitable person to be the prime minister except Wickremesinghe,” Gammanpila charged.

Seniors stand for MR: Seneviratne

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Senior Vice President John Seneviratne asserted that seven seniors of the SLFP whom President Maithripala Sirisena had nominated for the prime ministerial portfolio had agreed that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa should hold that position. 

“I would like to say that we all are holding the same opinion about the premiership and we want to see Rajapaksa in that seat. We have already sent a letter to the President informing him of our agreement in this matter along with our signatures. However we are thankful to President Sirisena for nominating us,” Seneviratne stated.

Maithri letter insults Mahinda: UPFA Lawyers Society 

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Lawyers Society yesterday alleged that the hard-hitting letter issued by President Maithripala Sirisena to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was an insult to the latter’s character as a UPFA candidate in the general election.

Issuing a letter, the society stated that President Sirisena’s letter had also violated the Parliament Election Act.

They also pointed out that that letter was full of false sentences which could affect Rajapaksa’s vote base.