Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa is still the most popular politician in the country, UPFA MP and Mahajana Eksath Peramuna leader Dinesh Gunawardena stated.

Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya, he commented about the dispute that has arisen concerning the Opposition Leader post. Gunawardena stated that he has been suggested as the Opposition Leader because there was an uncertainty if opposition members can accept ministerial portfolios while being in the opposition.

He said that he will take steps to bring the SLFP members who accepted ministerial portfolios back to opposition. He accused that there are certain members of parliament who cannot see the reality and try to approach the UNP. If they do not return, they can stay with the UNP, he added.

Gunawardena added that an opposition should have only the MPs who are not willing to act as “yes-men” of the government.