MR contesting polls to avoid consequences for past actions - UNP

MR contesting polls to avoid consequences for past actions - UNP

August 12, 2015   11:19 pm

The United National Party (UNP) claims that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is contesting the parliamentary election in an attempt to avoid “serious consequences” for his past actions and that he is seeking protection from ongoing investigations. 

Since his January defeat, Rajapaksa has faced accusations of large-scale corruption, abuse of power and nepotism during his time in power.

Members of his immediate and extended family are facing several on-going corruption probes.

Meanwhile, the UPFA Kurunegala District candidate has become the key target of the government’s election campaign.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ajith P. Perera told Al Jazeera that his return is a desperate attempt to get “some kind of a political foothold to avoid serious consequences for his past actions.”

This is a view shared by Sujeewa Senasingle, the deputy minister of Justice.

“People voted the new government to end corruption and family rule,” he told Al Jazeera. 

“It was a mandate given to end impunity and to create a Sri Lankan nation. There are many ongoing investigations that involve several members of the Rajapaksa family while other inquiries are still to commence,” Senasingle said.

“Mahinda Rajapaksa needs some kind of protection. Becoming a parliamentarian will offer some cover,” said the deputy minister.

Disclaimer: All the comments will be moderated by the AD editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or slanderous. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side). Do use these forums to voice your opinions and create healthy discourse.

Most Viewed Video Stories

'We evaluate investments based on benefit to Sri Lanka' – Cabinet Spokesman (English)

'We evaluate investments based on benefit to Sri Lanka' – Cabinet Spokesman (English)

Sri Lanka's Central Bank chief says policy rate is appropriate (English)

Gazette issued on maximum retail pricing mechanism for medicines (English)

MPs' motion to oust IGP Deshabandu added to Parliament's Order Book (English)

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin 6.55 pm

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Lunch Time News Bulletin 12.00 pm

Sri Lanka should avoid measures that shatter investors' trust - Ranil Wickramasinghe (English)

UK sanctions Shavendra Silva, Wasantha Karannagoda, Jagath Jayasuriya and Karuna Amman (English)