Former Defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday revealed his principles in politics and said that he was ready to work together with anyone who safeguards the unitary status of the country and the war heroes who defeated terrorism.

Speaking at an event in Colombo, he said that whether he becomes the first or the second is immaterial.

He was referring to a recent statement made by Minister John Seneviratne, who said that discussions were being conducted to make Gotabaya Rajapaksa the second leader of the SLFP.

President Maithripala Sirisena is the Chairman of the party. However, a large section of the party still support former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and are in opposition to the government.

Seneviratne said that Gotabaya Rajapaksa's elevation would bring about reconciliation between the two camps in the party.

However, senior members of the Maithri camp have been opposed or silent on the matter. Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga expressed her total rejection of the proposal at a recent event. MEanwhile party stalwart Nimal Siripala de Silva declined to comment on this when he was queried by the media recently.