Several MPs of the UPFA whose names were mentioned in connection with crossovers today held a press conference in Colombo to pledge their support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the presidential election.
Addressing the press conference, Minister Reginold Cooray, who is known to be a staunch supporter of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said, he never intended to support the common candidate, although he was not entirely happy about certain developments at times.
He said any crossover at this point would affect the political stability of the country.
However, he asserted that he was not afraid of "files" or any sort of threats. "I won't stay in the government because i am afraid of files. One cannot do politics if he is afraid of 'files' or other similar threats," Cooray added.
Senior Minister Piyasena Gamage, who represents the District of Galle, said he never received an invitation from the opposition to support the common candidate. He also added that there was no truth in claims made by some sections of media.
Minister C.B. Rathnaike too spoke at the press conference and said the ruling party MPs are intent on ensuring President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s victory. Despite speculations in the media, no MP crossover in Parliament today during the third reading vote of the budget.
It was widely reported in media that there will be crossovers from and to both sides. However, no MP took the risk to cross the well of the Parliament today.
The government has already asserted that no ruling party MP will cross over to the opposition to support common candidate Maithripala Sirisena.
