Rajapaksas didn’t pilfer country, only saved it - Gotabaya

Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that if eradicating the LTTE terrorist organization is a crime which needs punishing, then he has no problems with going to prison. 

Responding to questions from journalists after worshiping at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy and meeting with the Maha Nayaka of Asgiri Sect Most Ven. Varakagoka Sri Gnanarathana Thero on Friday (7), he said that the war was not only waged within the last five years and that nearly all former Presidents took actions for it. 

However, he added, the war ended during the previous President’s term and that all he did was end the war. The former Defence Secretary said that the Rajapaksas did not pilfer this country, they only saved it and did so by putting their lives on the line. 

Gotabaya Rajapaksa charged that those who are unable to do the work can only keep accusing others.

He stated that while he usually does not like to talk politics with Buddhist monks, he visited Kandy today in order to brief the Maha Nayaka Theros regarding the injustice that is being meted out to him.

Rajapaksa further said that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had recently declared to several SLFP parliamentarians that he would be arrested within a month.  

He said that if cases are being heard, instigated and decided on by individuals such as Mahinda Amaraweera, then he does not see any justice in the law. 

When asked as to whether he has considered a move into politics, Rajapaksa said that those like Mahinda Amaraweera have become terrified and want him arrested because the people expect him to join politics. 

The former Defence Secretary also met the Maha Nayaka of Malwathu Chapter of Siyam Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero afterwards, Ada Derana reporter said.