In response to former SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena’s announcement yesterday at the Colombo New Town Hall that he would be standing for the upcoming presidential election as the common opposition candidate, President Rajapaksa at a gathering at Temple Trees has Mr Sirisena has fallen into a trap by the Opposition.

The President made these comments yesterday at a gathering of Indigenous Medical Practitioners at Temple Trees. While addressing the attendees the President had remarked that Mr Sirisena had fallen into the opposition’s trap the same way former Army commander Sarath Fonseka did in 2010. The president further added that he felt sorry for Mr Sirisena.

President Rajapaksa said while the main demand of the opposition is the abolition of the Executive Presidency, the Opposition had not supported the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to abolish the Executive Preisdency.

“The opposition which is clamoring for the abolition of the Executive Presidency does not support the Parliamentary Select Committee,” the President was quoted as saying in his speech.

President Rajapaksa said if the need is to abolish the Executive Presidency, it can be done through Parliament by a two thirds majority.

“The SLFP faced challenges in 1977 and thereafter the leaders who destroyed the country’s culture and sold state assets have started shedding crocodile tears again. These elements that are trying to take the service personnel and the government to the UNHRC for eradicating terrorism have started shedding crocodile tears for the country,” the President was quoted as saying.

Courtesy:Sunday Times