Prasanna opposes MS joining SLPP alliance

Industrial Export, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga yesterday said he was against the inclusion of former President Maithripala Sirisena in the alliance contesting the forthcoming General Election as well as allowing him to contest under the symbol of the flower bud

Industrial Export, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga

(Pohottuwa).

“I cannot agree with the appointment of former President Sirisena as the Chairman of the alliance. There is no change in my stand. I still say we could have won by ourselves. Similarly, Sirisena should not have been involved,” Ranatunga stressed.

He firmly opposed Sirisena’s appointment as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Podujana Sandanaya alliance despite noting that it was a post which granted him no power.

“Not just me but the majority of the people who love this country are against this appointment. I also said that the majority of the SLFP, including myself, do not like the decision to include Maithripala Sirisena.  

“The majority of the people who voted for Mahinda Rajapaksa at the last Presidential Election are against it. Like me, the majority of the country does not believe in Maithripala Sirisena anymore,” he added.

Ranatunga said he conveyed his objections to alliance leader Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa as the General Secretary.

“The former President Sirisena should not be allowed to contest under the symbol of the flower bud. Our supporters don’t like that. Former President Sirisena is responsible for the current situation of the country. I cannot personally forgive the damage done by Maithripala Sirisena to the country by joining hands with the UNP,” Ranatunga pointed out.

“I have been very vocal about the formation of this alliance from the beginning. I was always of the view that we should contest under the flower bud symbol no matter what alliance we form at the end of the day. My personal observations still remain the same; I do not agree with Maithripala Sirisena contesting under this alliance yesterday, today or tomorrow,” he added.