By R.M.W. Bandara
Mahinda Rajapaksa, as President, undermined the values the SLFP and his successor, Maithripala Sirisena, destroyed what was left of the party, former president Chandrika Bandaranaike has said.
“We need a government with a vision. Sri Lanka is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. We need to fix this,” she said, speaking in Kurungeala, yesterday.
She said the youth had to enter politics in their numbers. “We must not forget the message the youth gave during the Aragalaya. This movement made a big change. Politicians must not underestimate Aragalaya.
The former President said that the youth were fed up with the politicians who had ruined the country for the last 70 years. Most politicians have embezzled money and the youth wanted a new leadership and a vision for the country.
“Young people expect a radical change. We are a nation with a proud past, but now we can’t even feed ourselves. There are power cuts. The education and health systems are failing. We can’t develop a country without a good education. Only two parties have ruled this country since Independence. The UNP has been divided into two, Sajith wing and Ranil wing. The SLFP is a goner. I am sadder than anyone about this,” she said.
The SLFP had been divided into six factions, Bandaranaike said. Mahinda Rajapaksa had always wanted to destroy the SLFP and establish his own party, she said.
“SLFP leaders, before Rajapaksa, weren’t corrupt,” she said.
