Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said he prefered UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa as the party's Presidential candidate.

When speaking to the media after an event in Colombo, Rajapaksa briskly said he preferred Premadasa to be the UNP's candidate at the Presidential election where the Opposition Leader's brother Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is also a key contender.

Rajapaksa also added that the UNP had no future and the party was in total disarray.

"Everyone is fighting for the party leadership. Such a party has no future. That's all Iknow," Rajapaksa added.

The former President also expressed confidence all minorities would support the SLPP candidate at the next Presidential election.

"They cannot be hoodwinked all the time. Minorities have now come to the realization that we are the ones who actually served them," Rajapaksa said.