Sri Lanka's main opposition UNP stated that only Maithripala Sirisena can settle the 'crisis' faced by Sri Lanka in Geneva, where the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is currently conducting an investigation into allegations of mass atrocities, reported The Island.
UNP MP Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said on Saturday that people should vote for Maithripala as re-election of President Mahinda Rajapaksa would be inimical to Sri Lanka's interests, adding that the country may face international sanctions if the president was re-elected.
Reiterating previous pledges by the opposition to protect Rajapaksa from an international war crimes tribunal, the MP said that only a new government could defeat the foreign elements working against the country, as the current regime was to blame for "earning the wrath" of the west and India.
Maithripala manifesto released: vows to prevent international justice mechanisms and protect SL sovereignty (19 Dec 2014)
Opposition reiterate rejection of UN inquiry (17 Dec 2014)
I will protect Rajapaksas from war crime charges – Maithripala (28 Nov 2014)