The leader of Nawa Sihala Urumaya, the New Sinhala Heritage party, has decided to withdraw his candidacy for the Sri Lankan presidential elections and back incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Sarath Manamendra, leader of the party, had earlier signed an agreement with opposition candidate Maithiripala Sirisena, reports Daily Mirror. Manamendra had also submitted his nomination for the upcoming election.
Explaining his decision, Manamendra stated that he decided to back Rajapaksa in order to “defeat attempts to divide the country”.
See our earlier posts:
Sri Lanka blames ‘international conspiracy’ for SLMC defection (28 Dec 2014)
Criticism over human rights will 'get weaker' claims Rajapaksa (23 Dec 2014)
Also see our editorial: No choice (22 Dec 2014)
Sarath Manamendra, leader of the party, had earlier signed an agreement with opposition candidate Maithiripala Sirisena, reports Daily Mirror. Manamendra had also submitted his nomination for the upcoming election.
Explaining his decision, Manamendra stated that he decided to back Rajapaksa in order to “defeat attempts to divide the country”.
See our earlier posts:
Sri Lanka blames ‘international conspiracy’ for SLMC defection (28 Dec 2014)
Criticism over human rights will 'get weaker' claims Rajapaksa (23 Dec 2014)
Also see our editorial: No choice (22 Dec 2014)