Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senaratne stated that former president Mahinda Rajapaksa will not be given nominations to contest the next election.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet Press Conference, Senaratne said that President Maithripala Sirisena has rejected nominations for Rajapaksa earlier. Therefore, Sirisena's position is clear, he said.

Senaratne added that the committee recently appointed by SLFP will look to move forward only from the position President Sirisena adapted on Rajapaksa's nomination. Sirisena is not someone who moves backwards, he said.

Meanwhile, Senaratne also pointed out that Rajapaksa had been an MP, Opposition Leader, a Minister, Prime Minister and President over the years. "What else can we give him," he asked. Furthermore, Senaratne said that SLFP cannot move forward with a candidate who has been defeated.