I will quit UPFA if BBS backs Rajapaksa - Faiszer

Deputy Minister of Investment Promotion, Faiszer Musthapha, says that he will not remain in the United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance (UPFA) if the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) Organisation decides to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the upcoming Presidential Election.

Responding to a question from a journalist at a press conference in Colombo today, the deputy minister stated that the ultra-nationalist Buddhist group has still not made a statement, directly or indirectly, regarding supporting President Rajapaksa.

“That aside, if Bodu Bala Sena is supporting Mahinda Rajapaksa, I will not be in the alliance today,” Musthapha said.

Minister of Transport, Kumara Welgama, addressing the press briefing, stated that he would not leave the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) until he dies and that he has given his son the same advice.

The reason for this, Welgama said, is since his son received votes because of him.

Asked about Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses being used to transport supporters for UPFA rallies, the minister stated that they would even give Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan buses if he pays the money.

Meanwhile SLFP General Secretary Anura Priyadarshana Yapa stated that there are allegations against Kotikawatta Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Prasanna Solangaarachchi, who recently pledged support to the Common Opposition Candidate, regarding the misuse of local council property.