Gotabaya has still not given up hopes to topple the government- Rajitha

Revealing a confidential matter at TV Derana 360 programme, Minister Rajitha Senaratne last night alerted that the leftover elements of the previous government have still not given up hopes to topple the current government.

At the programme, Minister Senaratne revealed details of an alleged conspiracy by ex-President’s brother and former Defence Secretary Gotbaya Rajapaksa to overthrow the government within next three months.

Some 400 to 500 military officials are being trained at an army base in the Northern Province under directions from an Army Brigadier, who is an ally of the former Defence Secretary, in a bid to yet again create a crisis situation in the north, and take advantage of it, said Senaratne.

In a previous occasion, Minister Mangala Samaraweera also lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), saying, on 9 January there has been a serious attempt by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, G.L. Peiris and Udaya Gammanpila for a coup attempt and impose a state of emergency and continue in office by unlawful and illegal means with the help of the military.