Gota to the fore if president cannot contest!

 Monday, 27 October 2014 

The Rajapaksas have unanimously decided to field defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as the UPFA candidate, in the event president Mahinda Rajapaksa faces a legal hurdle against contesting the upcoming presidential election, say very reliable sources.

Former chief justice Sarath N. Silva is saying that Mahinda Rajapaksa cannot contest the election for a third term, and if he contests, it will be a blatant violation of the constitution. The Sri Lanka Bar Association is also of the same stance.

The JVP has already declared that it would go to courts if Mahinda Rajapaksa announces his decision to contest. In such a scenario, the Rajapaksas are of the unanimous view that Gotabhaya, the next most popular Rajapaksa, should be fielded as their candidate.

Various Sinhala Buddhist organizations across the country have given their blessings for Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to contest. Even though he not that interested, Gotabhaya is mostly likely to agree to the family request.