Gota to kick-off presidential race on 11th from Kelaniya – Meets Singaporean FM

Former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is scheduled to return to the country on July 06th and is said to be scheduled to kick off his presidential race after paying homage to the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya on July 11th, it is reported.

Rajapaksa who underwent heart surgery at the Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore had been discharged on June 09th but has so far not returned to the country.

However, on his FB page, Rajapaksa has hinted that he would participate in the Viyath Maga programme scheduled to be held on July 07th in Kegalle.

A group of MPs including Gampaha District MP Prasanna Ranatunge had met with Gotabhaya in Singapore yesterday (03).

Together with Ranatunge, Thenuka Vidanagamage, Priyankara Jayaratna, Prasanna Jayaweera, Indika Anurudda and Keheliya Rambukwella together with a powerful businessman had visited Rajapaksa in Singapore to inquire about his health, according to a reliable source.

Accordingly, Gotabhaya is said to have told Prasanna Ranatunge to assure the people that he would return soon and fulfil the aspirations of the people.

Rajapaksa had said that he would not retreat under any circumstance, and wanted it stated that he is willing to face any challenge before him for the people.

It is also reported that the Singapore Foreign Minister had also visited Rajapaksa to inquire about his health condition.

Basil supportive

Prasanna Ranatunge had briefed Gotabhaya about the propaganda activities for the upcoming presidential election in another five months, during their meeting.

He had told Rajapaksa about the plans underway at district level under the leadership of Basil Rajapaksa and also explained the propaganda campaign planned for before and after handing over nominations.

Rajapaksa had noted that he would carry forward his activities with the blessings of his brothers Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa, whom he is always engaged with and he would overcome all challenges before him with their blessings.

Propaganda activities over the internet

Rajapaksa had said that as he holds a degree in Information Technology, he would prefer to carry out his presidential propaganda campaign through the internet. The main reason is that it is more practical and would bring greater reach and results and also as it is cost effective.

He had also revealed that he had consulted with a Singaporean company and had signed agreements with several main web sites in Sri Lanka and FB pages with a large number of subscribers to carry out their propaganda campaign.

He had also stated that the relevant company is not owned by a foreigner and that it belongs to a Sri Lankan. Rajapaksa had also stated that approval was needed to advertise on FB and these assigned FB pages had already obtained these approvals from FB.

Rajapaksa in a move to further strengthen his social media network has initiated a new twitter account as well.

Aruna daily to be launched this week 

Meanwhile, it is also reported that Dilith Jayaweera’s Aruna newspaper is currently engaged in plans to launch the daily newspaper this month.

It is speculated that this move is aimed at promoting and supporting Gotabhaya’s election campaign.