National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa hit out at President Maithripala Sirisena stating that he and his allies in Sri Lanka Freedom Party are trying to buy the support of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa by giving empty promises.

Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya on President Sirisena’s recent comment that he has nothing against Rajapaksa contesting from the UPFA, Weerawansa said such promises are inadequate.

He added that Rajapaksa should be named the Prime Ministerial candidate of the UPFA.

Leaders of SLFP had earlier said that there has been no instance where the party had officially named a candidate for PM before an election. However, Weerawansa said that it is not an acceptable excuse, adding that the party can do it for the first time on this election.

Weerawansa also warned that if Rajapaksa is not named the PM candidate, his supporters will bring him from another party. He also vowed that Rajapaksa will be elected the Prime Minister.