Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa hit out at President Maithripala Sirisena's recent statement that the next President would be powerless and the Prime Minister would be the central figure in the government.

Addressing an SLPP event yesterday, Rajapaksa said he did not believe that the next President would be a mere figurehead in the next government.

"It depends on the capability of the person holding office. If you don't know how to get things done, you will not do anything irrespective of the position you hold," Rajapaksa said.

"Everyone knows what Gotabhaya Rajapaksa did as the Defence Ministry Secretary. That's enough evidence to prove that he can do a lot more as the President of the country," Rajapaksa added.

Rajapaksa also added that the victory of the SLPP candidate was a certainty at the upcoming Presidential election.