COLOMBO: Former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa has alleged that a “conspiracy” brought about his defeat in the presidential elections last month, but he did not identify the conspirators.

“What happened to me was not a defeat since it was the result of a conspiracy,” Mr Rajapaksa said in a statement read out on his behalf at a rally on Wednesday.

Read: Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa concedes defeat in presidential vote

“However, I would never hesitate to accept my defeat and respect the people’s choice. Disgrace and defeat are not unusual elements in my life. Even being in a prison won’t be an awkward or unfamiliar thing for me,” the former president added.

Although Mr Rajapaksa did not say explicitly that he intended to stage a comeback by leading his party in the June parliamentary elections, he dropped a hint by saying: “I am capable of taking all this pressure for the sake of my supporters.”

The rally was organised by some small political parties which were allies of Rajapaksa’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party during his 10-year rule.

The former head of state is currently staying in his southern home town of Medamulana. He keeps an open house. According to sources in his party, at least 50 busload of supporters from all over the country visit him every day.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2015

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