Change of Rajapaksa’s Heart Towards Maithripala?

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday described his rival, President Maithripala Sirisena as ”our President” and said, “we will look after our President”  (Apey Janadhipathui api balagannam).  Is this shows Mahinda’s change of heart towards Maithreepala or a move made strategically to divide the unity government, observers say.

The former President indicated that the discussions with the SLFP on a possible reunion before the LG election were positive. He also added that his intention was not to divide the SLFP. Making a statement to the media in Ahungalla, the former President said, the SLFP should pull out of the national unity government and work with the Joint Opposition. When asked what would happen to the President in the case of a pullout of that nature, Rajapaksa said they would look after the President.