"I got many requests to contest as the common opposition candidate but I rejected them all. I am not greedy for power. I have no intention of being re appointed as President. I will not accept any position. I will just help to rebuild the country," she said.
Ms. Kumaratunga was speaking at a special press briefing held in solidarity of Minister Maithripala Sirisena at New Town Hall, Colombo today (21).
Speaking further, she also made the following observations :
Prabhakaran attempted to assassinate me to split the country into two.
The support of the opposition was not extended to abolish executive presidency.
The opportunity has come for all to come out.
The truth is our only strength. We will enter the Presidential battle.
Our lives are in danger.. Most of my privileges have been recalled... My children are against this..We will face many obstacles, but we decided to take this risk on behalf of the country.
The prevailing situation is very dangerous. The 17th Amendment has been scrapped.
People are complaining they cannot go on... Law and order has collapsed, Murders, corruption are running rampant... The police degraded.
Salaries of state employees were not increased.
Winning the war is appreciated. However, the person behind it was jailed.
Silently, I watched the fall of the party and the ruthless actions... For 9 years I watched on...
After appointing Mahinda as President despite the opposition of many, I was expelled after six months.
I’m happy to return to active politics. This is a worthy cause.
