Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Anuradha Jayaratne says it is unlikely that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who returned to Sri Lanka last Friday will engage in active politics going forward.

“He has not informed us of an intention to return to active politics. I do not believe he will engage in active politics again” Jayaratne said.  Instead, Jayaratne said it is important for the former President to be involved with the next generation so that he can share his experiences.

“He is perhaps the Sri Lankan President who was able to gain the most amount of experience despite his short tenure of just over two years. Therefore as the next generation, we must ensure he is actively involved with us to share his experiences. I expect this will take place” he said. 

Meanwhile responding to questions posed by the media, Rajapaksa's nephew SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said the decision to re-enter politics or not is up to Rajapaksa. "It is a decision up to him. Any one else cannot dictate what he should or should not do. He has returned to the island now and it is his right as a citizen" he said.