There is every sign that the United National Party will split into two, whomever they chose as their Presidential candidate, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa has told a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna meeting in Battaramulla today 22 Aug.
According to a Press release issued by the SLPP the former President’s remarks were made at a meeting of the Party Local Government representatives.
He said that a group opposed to the Leadership of the UNP has grown inside the party and such a group cannot function inside the party, the release added.
The elder Rajapaksa also said that even if “Ranil, Ajith and Karu got together they cannot beat out party,” at the elections.
Meanwhile the candidate for the SLPP Gotabaya Rajapaksa reassured the representatives that he has fulfilled every requirement to renounce his US citizenship and obtain a Sri Lankan passport the release said.
He said that he had renounced his US citizenship on April 17 and has informed the Immigration Department of the progress.
He added that various incorrect reports were being circulated about his citizenship status with the aim of taking judicial action against him.
(Republic Next)