Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should work together and cooperate, Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Galagodaaththe Gnanasara, who is also the head of the new party Bodu Jana Peramuna (BJP), said on Tuesday.
Mr Rajapaksa and Mr Wickremesinghe should not treat each other as enemies when contesting, the monk said, requesting former president Chadrika Kumaratunga not to treat Mr Rajapaksa with enmity, the DailyMirror said.
He further said Sarath Fonseka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Udaya Gammanpila, Champika Ranawake, Wimal Weerawansa and the JVP should forget their political differences and treat each other with respect and honour.
“We should consider these people as Sri Lankans and should work under a national policy for at least two years. Party leaders should cooperate with each other because if not it will be catestrophic for Sri Lanka,” Mr Gnanasara said.
He added that in 1815 the country was handed over to the British after an agreement.
“A repetition seems likely after 200 years during and after the election.”
Mr Gnanasara said the BJP had submitted nomination lists for 16 of the 22 districts on the island.