Former CM Maheepala Herath to back Rajapaksa?

Former Chief Minister of the Sabaragamuwa Province Maheepala Herath has reportedly decided join Mahinda Rajapaksa’s faction and extend his support to the former President, sources said.

A photograph of Mr Herath, his secretary and Gotabya Rajapaksa which was taken when the former Defence Secretary has visited the Kegalle Urban Council last week is currently doing the rounds on social media and other websites. 

Accordingly, the former Chief Minister is expected to join former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on stage at a public meeting in Kegalle next month and pledge his fullest support to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, political sources told Ada Derana. 

Maheepala Herath’s son UPFA Parliamentarian Kenaka Herath is already openly supporting the former President and his newly-formed party, however his father who is a veteran member of the SLFP has so far made no announcement regarding who he will support at the upcoming polls. 

Despite being asked about this by journalists, he has not made any direct response to this up to date.