Ven. Dodampahala Rahula Thero has called on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to withdraw Namal Rajapaksa’s candidacy for the upcoming election and instead throw the SLPP’s support behind independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The appeal was made during a Buddhist conference held at the Abhayaramaya Temple in Narahenpita on Sunday, aimed at endorsing President Wickremesinghe’s candidacy.
Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Abhayaramaya Temple and Chancellor of the University of Colombo, also voiced his support for Wickremesinghe, stating, “Ranil Wickremesinghe is the only leader capable of leading this country. I will say that anywhere.”
Speaking at the event, Ven. Rahula Thero stressed that supporting any candidate who opposes Wickremesinghe would be tantamount to opposing the nation’s true religion, security, and language. He urged Mahinda Rajapaksa to make a patriotic decision and withdraw his son’s presidential bid.
“If you are a true leader and patriot, you must do this for the country at this critical moment,” Rahula Thero said.
He reassured Namal Rajapaksa that his time would come in the future. “Namal, when the right time comes, you will have your chance. When that day arrives, I will be there to support you. But for now, you must step aside,” he added.