Gotabaya promises to release security forces personnel now in custody View(s):The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) launched its presidential election campaign from Anuradhapura with its candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa making a string of pledges including concessions to farmers and relief for those in debt. These are likely to have a series of financial implications. After religious events in Anuradhapura the rally began around 3.00 p.m. at the Salgado play ground with ministers and MPs in attendance. They cheered throughout the meeting at which one of the main speakers was the SLPP and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, the former president of Sri Lanka. In one of his main promises Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a controversial pledge that after he was elected he would release all security forces personnel who were in custody, because he believed some of the charges were baseless or absurd.

Source: Sunday Times October 12, 2019 18:56 UTC