Minister of Irrigation Vijith Vijayamuni Soysa said that he was not responsible for the political death of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa adding that “we did not kill ‘Appachchi.’ We gave him saline. It was Sumanadasa Abeygunawardena (Rajapaksa’s astrologer) and some family members who did it.”

Speaking at an event in Thanamalwila, he said that he worked tirelessly to run the campaign of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa during the election, not only in the district but in the whole country. The portrait of Mahinda Rajapaksa is still seen in his home, he added. He also refuted allegations that he has joined the UNP.

Vijayamuni Soysa made a controversial speech following the presidential election where he said that once the father (appachchi) of the house is dead, one does not keep his body in the house. He was implying that Rajapaksa was politically dead. Recently, Rajapaksa visited Moneragala and said that he had come to prove that he was still ‘alive and kicking.’ He added “Appachchi thaama innava” (The father still lives) referring to Soysa’s statement.