MR unconcerned with losing Opposition Leader post

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa is to take up the leadership of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna this Sunday (11) despite the likelihood of him losing his Parliamentary Membership along with his post of the Leader of the Opposition.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna member and former Minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa, addressing a media briefing today, said that the party would announce its new leader on Sunday during its national convention.

“We will be announcing our new Party leader at our Party convention. It will be former President and current Opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa,”

When questioned over the former President losing his Parliamentary membership as a result of joining a separate political party, Basil Rajapaksa said that even if such a development does occur it would not hinder the political journey of the former President.

“He has been President, he has been the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader and he has held various Ministerial portfolios. Losing his Parliamentary membership will not be an issue. It will not hinder his or our journey in any way,”

Furthermore, Rajapaksa said the SLPP would also be announcing its Presidential candidate on Sunday as well.

“Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa will be announcing our Presidential candidate during our party convention on Sunday,”

The SLPP national convention is to take place this Sunday at the Sugathadasa stadium.

Pictures by Lalith Perera