Namal makes interesting poser to yahapalana Leadership

Having censured former President Mahinda Rajapaksa for seeking a third term, the yahapalana leadership had congratulated German Chancellor Angela Merkel recently elected for a record fourth term, UPFA MP Namal Rajapaksa yesterday.

MP Rajapaksa pointed out that Merkel, too, had assumed the German leadership in 2005, the year Mahinda Rajapaksa won the presidency.Every yahapalana speaker had found fault with the former President for introducing the 18 Amendment to do away with the two term limit.

President Maithripala Sirisena, in a congratulatory message to Merkel said Sri Lanka and Germany enjoyed close and friendly bilateral relations, characterized by cooperation and sharing of common democratic values and interests on a wide range of global issues.

“I look forward to working in partnership with the Federal Republic of Germany to further enhance this relationship for the benefit of the peoples of our two countries,” Sirisena said.

He added that Merkel’s deep commitment to the development and prosperity of Germany was noteworthy and her wisdom, wealth of experience and charismatic leadership would certainly help in achieving the desired goals for the continued benefit of the German people.

MP Rajapaksa said those who had been critical of his father wouldn’t dare to criticize Merkel or demand constitutional restrictions there to prevent reelection of a leader for more than two terms. (SF)