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.