The former president Mahinda Rajapaksa will contest the parliamentary elections in August as a prime ministerial candidate, former minister Kumara Welgama, who served under Mr Rajapaksa, said.
Mr Welgama said Mr Rajapaksa will contest under the UPFA's betel leaf symbol.
The former president's spokesperson meanwhile said an official announcement in this regard will be made on July 1.
“Several gossip websites and newspapers had predicted a lot and had said so many things quoting Mr. Rajapaksa. July 1 will provide response to them,” Rohan Weliwita said.
The leader of the National Freedom Front (Jathika Nidahas Peramuna) Wimal Weerawansa said his party will contest the elections with the former president, pledging support for Mr Rajapaksa.
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