APD | Former Sri Lankan Army Commander to contest Presidential polls

By APD writer Easwaran

COLOMBO, Sept. 29 (APD) - Former Sri Lankan Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake on Sunday announced that he has come forward to contest the November Presidential election.

Senanayake has come forward as the candidate of the National People's Movement (NPM).

Addressing a large gathering at an event organized to announce his decision to contest the election, Senanayake said that Sri Lanka needs an alternative force and he believes he is that alternative.

Senanayake, who retired as Army Commander in August, said that he was approached by a group of people who invited him to contest the election.

He said that he feels he served the country well in the military but there was a need to ensure the country is protected further.

Senanayake said that politics has ruined the country so there needs to be an independent force to bring about change in the country.

The former Army Commander said that his team does not include politicians but academics and other experts.

Senanayake also said that politicians had influenced the security forces and the Police and that needs to change.

He said that his policy will be to promote Sri Lanka as a brand, ensure a stable economy and strengthen reconciliation.

Senanayake said that Constitutional reforms will also be pursued and proposals for a new Constitution have already been drafted and will be presented to the public soon.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)