Lahiru Pothmulla Courtesy The Daily Mirror

Responding to the Appeal Court’s decision to dismiss the petition against SLPP presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s citizenship, SLPP Leader and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said not only Gotabaya but the entire country had been exonerated.

I think the entire country was exonerated. Not only Gotabaya but the entire country was exonerated. (Nidos kota Nidahas karala thiyanawa),” he told journalists at the Opposition Leader’s Office soon after the decision was announced.

He said the decision showed the independence of the judiciary and the faith they had in the judicial system.

Sound legal arguments were made by the legal team including counsel Romesh De Silva PC and Gamini Marapana PC,” he said.

When asked about MP Chamal Rajapaksa making a cash deposit to contest the presidential poll, Mr. Rajapaksa said, That was a backup plan. In case the court decision was different, we couldn’t abandon our people. We were getting ready to face any decision.”