Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa should keep away from politics if Sri Lanka Freedom Party is to win the upcoming election, Minister Arjuna Ranatunga stated.

 

Speaking at a meeting in Attanagalle, Ranatunga said that minorities and intellectuals will not vote for the SLFP if Rajapaksa contests from the SLFP.

 

Meanwhile, if Rajapaksa contests separately, it will lead to the defeat of the SLFP, Ranatunga pointed out.

 

If he does not want to see the United National Party win, Rajapaksa should keep away from politics and let President Maithripala Sirisena lead the SLFP campaign, Ranatunga said.