Namal Defends Family Legacy, Stands Firm Amid Corruption Claims

COLOMBO (News 1st); Namal Rajapaksa, the presidential candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), has firmly defended his family's legacy and policies against accusations of corruption. 

Speaking at a recent campaign rally, Rajapaksa emphasized his commitment to maintaining consistent policies and challenged those who label his family as thieves.

"We are not ready to change sides in opportunistic politics. We are not ready to change policies," Rajapaksa declared. 

He recounted the efforts made during the good governance government to investigate alleged stolen assets, which ultimately found no evidence of illegal earnings by the Rajapaksa family. 

"Finally, the current President made a statement in Parliament that there is no money anywhere in the world that the Rajapaksas earned illegally," he noted.

Rajapaksa highlighted the legal challenges faced by his family, including ongoing court cases. 

"Even today, Basil Rajapaksa is facing a case in Matara," he asserted.

Addressing the aftermath of the aragalaya, Rajapaksa emphasized their continued presence and connection with the people.

"After the aragalaya, many people thought that we went into hiding. We came to the village and stayed with our people. We are innocent but they must remember that I am Mahinda Rajapaksa's son Namal Rajapaksa," he said.

Rajapaksa urged the public to consider the legacy of his father, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and to measure his own contributions and character accordingly. 

"Those who look at Mahinda Rajapaksa today and make up their minds should look at Mahinda Rajapaksa in 1970 and measure Namal," he concluded.