Lanka Sama Samaja Party leader Professor Tissa Vitharana said that he does not take part in rallies supporting Mahinda Rajapaksa, since only President Maithripala Sirisena has the power to decide on appointing him the Prime Minister. These rallies cannot do anything to support Rajapaksa’s Prime Ministerial candidacy, Vitharana added.

He made this observation when he was asked about a recent comment by the leader of Democratic Left Front Vasudeva Nanayakkara. In a recent interview, Nanayakkara said that there was an agreement among the left parties of the UPFA regarding this matter.

Speaking to Asian Mirror, Vitharana said that the main objective will be to keep the Sri Lanka Freedom Party united and defeat the United National Party in the coming election. Thereafter, the decision on the Prime Minister can be taken, he added. Furthermore, he said that the decision can be taken by President Maithripala Sirisena.

Vitharana acknowledged that Rajapaksa still has people’s support. However, no one can make him Prime Minister by political rallies since the final decision will have to be made by President Sirisena, he added.