Rajapaksa deciding to ‘flee’ Habmantota not surprising - UNP

Former Minister of State for Fisheries, Dilip Wedaarachchi, says that it is not surprising that Mahinda Rajapaksa decided to flee from Hambantota because he failed to provide the much needed water supply scheme, a programme to develop agriculture and improve the livestock industry in his hometown district.

Former President Rajapaksa had stated at a meeting held in Mawathagama recently that he decided to contest Parliamentary elections from Kurunegala District because the most number of his trusted temples, loyal soldiers and affectionate Members of Parliament are in Kurunegala District.

“This is a grave insult on the people of Giruwapaththuwa who ushered in the Rajapaksa generation and Mahinda Rajapaksa to politics.”

“Furthermore, it is a slur on the sacred temples and much respected Venerable Maha Sangha of the South who showered their blessings on Mahinda Rajapaksa.” the former UNP Parliamentarian said in a statement.  

He stated that it is not surprising that Mahinda Rajapaksa decided to flee from Hambantota to the North Western Province because he failed to provide to the people of Hambantota the much needed water supply scheme, a programme to develop agriculture and improve the livestock industry.

“At this juncture, I would like to caution the people of Wayamba (North-West).  He is now trying to hoodwink the people of Wayamba in the same manner as he deceived the people of Giruwapaththuwa,” he charged.

Wedaarachchi stated that although, today Rajapaksa praises the people of the North Western Province, during his tenure of office as President he never tasked any Parliamentarian representing the province with an important ministerial portfolio.

“A party leader like S.B. Nawinne who toiled hard and spent his wealth and time for the sake of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party was forced into a position of a political retiree. Instead, a dealer in ethanol and alcohol who had no real connection with Wayamba was appointed as his right-hand man.” 

“When Mahinda Rajapaksa who had been throughout ill-treating the real sons and daughters of Sath Koralaya has started praising the Maha Sangha, the soldiers and the Members of Parliament from Wayamba, we are reminded of the story of the fox who cunningly flattered the crow to grab the piece of cheese,” he added.