Ven. Dodampahala Rahula Thero has urged former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to withdraw the SLPP candidacy of Namal Rajapaksa and extend the party’s support to independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The request was made during a Buddhist conference to support the candidacy of President Wickremesinghe on Sunday, at the Abhayaramaya Temple in Narahenpita.
Chief Incumbent of the Abhayaramaya Temple and Chancellor of the University of Colombo Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero, too expressed his support to Wickremesinghe.
“Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader capable of leading this country. I will say that anywhere,” he said.
Dodampahala Rahula Thero, addressing the event said that any support given to other candidates, if it opposes Ranil Wickremesinghe, is also opposing the true religion, security, and language of the country.
He added that it was the responsibility of former President Rajapaksa to make the right decision and withdraw his son’s candidacy from the presidential race.
“If you are a true leader and patriot, you must do this for the country at this critical moment,” he said.
Rahula Thero said that he will support Namal Rajapaksa when the time is right. “Namal, when the right time comes, you will have your chance. When that day arrives, I will be there to support you. But for now, you must step aside.” (Newswire)
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