Country does not need president from America – Akila Viraj

The country does not need a presidential candidate imported from America, United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said.

He added that instead of an imported candidate, a totally local made candidate is in the list. People will hand in hand with and rely on the local made candidate than the imported candidate from America, he said.

He was addressing the first election rally of the UNP held under the theme “Ekwa Idiriyata” yesterday at the Gall Face Green, Colombo.

The unity of the UNP signifies with the massive crowds. he said. Party leader Ranil Wickremasighe could showcase the unity of the party by nominating Saith Premadasa as the presidential candidate, he added.

He further said that country or the people don’t need to face difficulties once again by voting for Pohottuwa.

“People don’t expect trade sanctions of the United Nations by voting for Pohottuwa” he said.

However anyone can vote for Pohottuwa if one wants to get imposed sanctions, or media freedom is suppressed, recalled white vans and to face many difficulties, he said.

“According to Basil Rajapaksa’s statement he made recently Gotabaya is a terminator. The country never needs a terminator who ruins all the country,” he said.

Ven. Dambara Amila Thera said Gotabaya Rajapaksa is going to intervene judiciary of the country.

“Gotabaya said he would release all security personnel in custody immediately he becomes the President,” the Thera said.

This statement indicates that he will intervene in the judiciary system of the country as usual during the last regime, the Thera said.

The Thera added that these security forces personnel are in custody on various charges including the charges of killing and assaulting journalists including Lasantha Wickrematunga, Predeep Ekneligioda and a few others.

“Then, how a President can release persons in custody? An Executive President can release only a convicted prisoner. This is none other than the mediation to the judiciary,” he said.

Ministers Naveen Dissanayake, Patali Champika Ranawaka and Rajitha Senaratne addressed the gathering.