| en_1994869_0 Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that he will contest the upcoming general elections. | |
| en_1994869_1 He added that he will come to the forefront to fulfill the needs of the people. | |
| en_1994869_2 The former president expressed these views in Medamulane, Tangalle on Wednesday July 1. | |
| en_1994869_3 Speaking at the occasion, the former president called on representatives of other political parties to rally around him as they did in 2005. | |