Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa recently shared his thoughts on his political future and the upcoming elections, asserting that he is not ready to retire. According to him, the Rajapaksas have only made a temporary withdrawal from the political scene.
Question: “How are the election preparations going?”
Mahinda: “We are ready.”
Question: “What do you think about the victory chances for the Podujana Peramuna?”
Mahinda: “We will win very easily.”
Question: “Are you retiring? Is this a temporary goodbye?”
Mahinda: “Temporary?… A politician never retires.”
Question: “Did you hear the President’s speech? He mentioned that, for the first time, the group would retire. Do you agree with that?”
Mahinda: “No, I didn’t hear that… I can’t accept that. There are plenty who aren’t ready to step down as yet.”
Question: “Hasn’t there been some public opinion about the Rajapaksas not contesting the election?”
Mahinda: “Shashindra Rajapaksa is contesting from Moneragala. We can easily secure 113 seats.”
The former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s responses indicate his confidence in the upcoming elections and a determination to remain active in politics, dismissing any suggestion of a permanent departure from the political landscape.
