SLFP Minister agrees to get Muslim’s support for Gota! 

If fielding President Maithripala Sirisena for the upcoming Presidential election, several of the 16 group is said to think that Former Defence Secretary should be the candidate for the SLFP and a program from within the party should be implemented to ensure he gets the necessary support. According to political reports discussions are currently being held in this regard with several SLFP Ministers.   
 
A special discussion in this regard is said to have been held in an officer of a Minister on May 21 and Former Minister Chandima Weerakkody representing the 16 group is said to have attended this meeting as well. 
 
The Minister had criticized the government at the meeting claiming the Muslim community has also lost faith in the current government.
 
During the discussion, it is said those attending had claimed that the party would face definite defeat if Maithripala contests in the 2020 election and stressing that the Muslim community for its protection should build a rapport with Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
 
Accordingly, the Minister has promised Weerakkody that he will organize a meeting for Rajapaksa with several religious leaders in the coming week. 
 
The Minister had also claimed he is maintaining a relationship with the Budhu Bala Sena (BBS) for his future protection.