By Dasun Edirisinghe and Cyril Wimalasurendra

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that he would listen to the people’s voice and do what they wanted him to do for the country.

Cartoon by: Hasantha Wijenayake

In his statement to the Kandy rally organised by UPFA allies demanding former President’s return to politics as the UPFA’s prime ministerial candidate, Rajapaksa said that people who attended the rally were walking towards victory. “I wish them well for choosing that way.”

Rajapaksa promised to fulfil people’s wish. He said that the massive crowd attended the rally was his strength.

Former President Rajapaksa’s message was read out at the rally by former Governor of the Central Province Tikiri Kobbekaduwa.

Rajapaksa said that SLFPers had attended the rally in defiance of restrictions and threats and their bravery strengthened his hands.

“I’m watching the live webcast of the Kandy rally,” he said, adding that he was happy to see the success of the Kandy rally.

“We have to identify our lapses. We have to correct them in order not to repeat them. We have to apologise for the forgivable things. If we have to face punishment I will also accept that happily,” Rajapaksa said.

Punishment meted out to him for doing the right thing by the country he would bear with pride, the former President said in his statement.

Courtesy:The Island