Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that he also made an attempt to form a national government during the war, but others laughed at his attempt.

Taking part in an event at a temple in Telijjawila, Matara District, on Sunday (22) afternoon, Rajapaksa said that he won’t treat the attempt made on this occasion in a similar, dismissive manner.

Addressing the public, the former president said that winning and losing are both common in politics. Therefore, politicians should be prepared to face both, he said. However, one should never betray the country under any circumstances, he added.

UPFA MPs Chandrasiri Gajadeera and Dullas Alahapperuma also took part in the event. Interestingly, the newly appointed Minister of Parliament Affairs Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena also joined the event.

When journalists asked the former president to comment of the national government, he said that he does not have a right to comment as he is now taking a rest from politics. “Here we have a minister, you should ask him,” Rajapaksa said pointing to Abeywardena.