Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa formally announced former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna's Presidential candidate for the next Presidential election.

Addressing the SLPP's inaugural national convention. Rajapaksa said the country needed a disciplined man to uphold the rule of law and discipline.

The Opposition Leader said the country was in a perilious position and there was an imperative need for a strong leader.

'You are the one who chose him. As much as he is my brother, he is your brother as well. He is the man who can revive our country," Rajapaksa said before announcing the former Defence Secretary's name as the Presidential candidate.

Before the much-awaited announcement, Mahinda Rajapaksa was formally made the Leader of the SLPP.

SLPP Chairman G.L. Peiris proposed to appoint Mahinda Rajapaksa the Leader of the SLPP and the party's General Secretary Sagara Senaratne seconded it.