We nominated Dullas, but he lost – MR

Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa told the media yesterday that Dullas Alahapperuma was nominated by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) group backed by him.

Speaking to the media after the election was held, he said, “We nominated Dullas. We voted. But we lost. However, someone has to win.”

When asked about Ranil Wickremesinghe’s victory he responded, “Ranil Wickremesinghe got more votes and he was elected as the President. That is what happened. We are watching to see what happens in the future. No matter which government is elected, they have to work for the people.”

Speaking of the various views expressed regarding what the people desire he said, “There are various opinions. One group says that this is what the people want. We say this is what the people want.”

Rajapaksa noted that the protests should now be stopped and the youth should start working for the country.

“I feel that now this is enough protesting. The youth engaged in the Galle Face protest must now go out and work.” A journalist asked Mahinda Rajapaksa if he voted for Ranil Wickremesinghe. He said, “No not exactly.” In response to a question posed by a journalist on whether he would intervene in forming a new government, he said, “We have still not taken a decision on it. I am agreeable to any decision taken by the Party.”