Lanka PM banks on opposition divide for resounding victory

Colombo: Sri Lanka’s ruling party led by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is assured of a sweeping victory in the twice-postponed general election on Wednesday as the main Opposition is “badly divided,” according to Sri Lanka PodujanaPeramuna (SLPP) senior leader Basil Rajapaksa.
“The oldest party, (United National Party), is badly divided and they would be soundly defeated, Basil, the main organiser of the party led by his eldest brother Mahinda, told reporters on Sunday as the public campaign ended.
“The UNP would only finish fourth in certain areas, they can’t even be the second in other areas, he said.
He said that the entire Opposition would poll less than half of the SLPP’s total votes.
However, he said that the ruling party is expected to finish short of its target of 150 seats in the 225-member Parliament.
“We will get about 130 seats and we have other allies who would also win seats, Basil said, exuding confidence on the outcome of the election outcome.
“We will record a sweeping victory at the election and our opponent will not be able to muster even half our votes, Basil said. (PTI)