The United National Party today alleged that President Mahinda Rajapaksa was covering up malpractices and corruption by not taking action on “files” of those who defected the government.

 Issuing a special media statement this morning, the main opposition party said the claim on “files” raised some serious question.

“Why are these files being hidden from the public and law enforcement? How many more files does the President have on his own party members? Why do these files surface only when these members oppose his dictatorial rule? President Mahinda Rajapaksa's claim about the 'files' prove that in his administration bribery and corruption is not only tolerated but it is also actively encouraged,” the UNP statement said.

The opposition party said that the recent claim on ‘files’ of those who defected the government was a blackmail threat coming from the top-most leadership of the government. “The recent blackmail threat by no less than this country's head of state, indicates the darkness of his rule, his dismissive attitude towards corruption and his twisted notions of loyalty.”

 “This is why the UNP has made the momentous and historic decision to endorse the legitimate Secretary General of the SLFP as the common opposition candidate. It was an unprecedented move of solidarity with our historic political rival. It is also an indication of the dire situation our country is facing and the realisation, across the party that this is no time for partisan, expedient politics. Victory in this election will bring a divided, fractured and wounded country together again. The victory of the common opposition candidate and the abolition of the executive presidency will herald a return to vibrant and diverse political expression. The reaction of the public to the news of the common candidacy has proven beyond all doubt that the people have grown greatly weary of Rajapaksa rule,” the statement also added.