Different Views Among Governing Partners in Arresting Gota

In the recent past there were reports that Gotabhaya was to be taken into custody.

Key partners in the government, UNP and SLFP are divided over a possible arrest of  former defence secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, a senior government minister revealed

The UNP is of the firm view that Gotabhaya should be arrested immediately in connection with the misuse of state properties for activities of Rajapaksa Foundation as well as the murders of Wasim Thajudeen, Lasantha Wickramatunga and Prageeth Ekneligoda.

But on the other hand SLFP ministers are vehemently opposed to his arrest, and they are hoping that Gotabhaya should be their presidential candidate as incumbent Maithripala Sirisena will not contest again.

Meanwhile, minister Mangala Samaraweera says Gotabhaya even stands to lose his civic rights if a proper investigation is carried out into the irregularities in the purchase of four MiGs in 2006.