UPFA Parliamentarian Kumara Welgama yesterday said the Presidential candidacy has now become a joke as people have already stated that they are ready for the presidency. 

Speaking to the media yesterday, Welgama said there would not be a Presidential election until end 2019. 

"When the time comes, the right candidate will step up," the outspoken UPFA PArliamentarian added. 

'However, Presidential candidate should not be a person with a murderous history," Welgama stated, adding that the candidate should also respect democracy and minority rights. 

"We cannot draw the support of minorities if we fail to field a candidate who protects minority rights," the MP said. 

Welgama, on several occasions, stated that he would not support former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's presidential bid.