Lankan cricketer Ranatunga switches support to Fonseka

Last Updated: Thursday, December 17, 2009, 19:30

Tags: Ranatunga switches support, Fonseka, Lanka polls

Colombo: Former Sri Lankan cricket captain and lawmaker Arjuna Ranatunga today announced support for the joint opposition Presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka, handing out a major blow to the incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Ranatunga appeared with Fonseka to announce support for him as the battle lines were drawn for what appears to be keenest electoral fight for the post of the President.

Ranatunga who led Sri Lanka to cricket world cup triumph in 1996, family wields considerable influence and have been staunch supporters of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. He is a ruling party MP.

"I loath corruption," the cricketer said, adding that he had put faith in Fonseka's leadership to clean up the system on the island.

He said corruption had even prevaded the country's sports and he would assist the new leadership in the clean up in the sports.

"This is the best for the country. I have thought of that and made my decision," the Times Online website quoted Ranatunga as saying.

Ranatunga's switching support from Rajapaksa comes as a the country is witnessing a major change of loyalties in the run up to the elections on January 26. Two opposition lawmakers defected to the ruling party yesterday and were sworn into the cabinet.

PTI

First Published: Thursday, December 17, 2009, 19:30