Former Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe pledged support to SLPP Presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Rajapakshe defected from the UNP-led government after the political crisis last year, which broke out after the questionable appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, Rajapakshe said he joined hands with the SLPP candidate for the betterment of the next generation of Sri Lanka.

"Rajapakshe will create a country where there is no threat of terrorism or separatism. He can ensure national security," the former Minister said.

"I have no written or verbal agreement with the SLPP candidate. But, I have an understanding with him. I am not bothered about portfolios or any other perks. I don't do politics for a living," he said.

SLPP Presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa also attended the press conference.