Maithripala to run for president again

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s former president Maithripala Sirisena who was recently ordered by the Supreme Court to pay compensation for the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings has apologised to the Catholic community and announced his intention to run for president again.

Drawing comparisons to former South African president Nelson Mandela, a visibly emotional Sirisena said he will not back down in the face of any aggression and will confidently contest the next presidential election.

“Mandela was in prison for 27 years, but he came out and the people made him president.

“I will not back down in the face of anything. I’m not affected by any conspiracy. I respect the courts and the law and bow down to the court.

“I have read Mandela’s biography. No matter how badly I’m treated, I will contest the next presidential election with the support of my party, knowing that I can win,” said Sirisena, speaking at a Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) press briefing in Colombo.