It has now come to the limelight that former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has been approached by non-SLFP parties of the UPFA to enter active politics as a front-face of the movement supporting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

 The non-SLFP coalition partners of the UPFA who support Rajapaksa include National Freedom Front led by Wimal Weerawansa, Democratic Left Front led by Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Mahajana Eksath Peramuna led by Dinesh Gunawardena and old Left parties led by DEW Gunasekera and Tissa Vitarana. In addition to that, Udaya Gammanpila, Leader of the newly formed Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, has also extended his support to the same initiative. They are planing to hold a public rally in Nugegoda, on February 18, to announce former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Ministerial Candidate of the "patriotic masses".

When contacted by Asian Mirror, a spokesman of the group said the former Defence Secretary has not given a “final word” on the matter. However, the former Defence Secretary is already under investigation due to his alleged involvements with “floating armories” functioning under private security firms.

Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in May, last year, that he was willing to enter politics one day, at the discretion of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. 

Speaking to Wijeya group's latest publication, 'Deshaya' Sunday newspaper, the Defence Secretary said although he did not have personal interest in politics, he was ready to take up the challenge if and when the President wants him to do so. 

"However, I will not contest from Hambanthota. I will contest from Colombo," Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said. However, at that point, his brother, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa seemed invincible and the political situation in the country was totally in favour of the Rakapaksa family.