Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa will definitely contest in the next general election, his spokesperson Rohan Welivita confirmed to media.

Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya, Welivita stated that many projects initiated by Rajapaksa have been stalled under the present government. There was a need for him to contest again to take the country forward, Welivita further argued.

He also mentioned that Rajapaksa intends to contest from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, without causing a split in the party. However, if he is not given nominations from the party, Rajapaksa will contest from another party, Welivita added.

However, Rajapaksa has not decided on a party from which he would contest if he is not given nominations from SLFP, his spokesman said.

It is in the grapevine that Rajapaksa intends to revive the People’s Alliance. Its General Secretary, D.M. Jayaratne was the former Prime Minister during the second term of Rajapaksa’s presidency.

President Maithripala Sirisena opposed even giving nominations to Rajapaksa during a recent UPFA party leaders’ meeting. However, several party leaders have expressed their displeasure over this decision.