UPFA getting stronger, says Mahinda

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), day-by-day, draws the support of more people, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

The observation was made at a press conference held in Colombo, this morning (09). Several UPFA members including Susil Premajayantha, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Wimal Weerawansa, G.L. Peiris, Tiran Alles, and Udaya Gammanpila also attended the event.

“Clearly we will secure 117 seats at the election,” Rajapaksa added.

Rajapaksa, while responding to a question, rejected claims by certain parties, that his government had bribed the defeated LTTE during the last presidential election. “Everybody knows who gave weapons to the LTTE,” said Rajapaksa.

He also pointed out that the foreign investors now leave the country due to the political uncertainty under the rule of the United National Party (UNP).

Commenting on the death of former national rugby player, Wasim Thajudeen, he said “I welcome the investigation because that will help us to clear our name. But the timing of the investigation suggests that the government is trying to make political capital out of it.”

Rajapaksa also vowed to work hand in hand with President Maithripala Sirisena.