UNP Kurunegala candidate Nalin Bandara said that the people of Kurunegala did not ask for the return of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to politics from their district.

Bandara stated this when asked about Rajapaksa's claim that he returned to politics due to overwhelming requests made by the people.

Speaking to Asian Mirror yesterday, Bandara said that Rajapaksa's candidacy was a blessing in disguise for the UNP. He claimed that even the moderate SLFP supporters are questioning the return of Rajapaksa, who is a defeated candidate. Only those who blindly follow him support Rajapaksa, Bandara insisted.

He further said that he was certain of UNP victory in the Bingiriya Electorate and the Kurunegala District.

Nalin Bandara is the UNP Chief Organizer in Bingiriya.