REFUGEE

A survey conducted by the State Intelligence Service has revealed that President Mahinda Rajapaksa was ahead of General Sarath Fonseka. The secret report handed over to the President by Director of the Intelligence Service, DIG Keerthi Gajanyake states the President had 53% of the preferences while the General commanded only 46%.

The report further stated that although General Fonseka was very popular in urban areas, the President was the preferred choice in rural areas.

However, a secret report presented to the President by the Intelligence Service a month earlier said the President had 60% of the preference. The President’s election campaign was launched months earlier while the General is yet to launch his campaign.

A senior officer of the Intelligence Service who gave us this information said a survey has not been done aft General Fonseka officially announced his intention of contesting the election. Threw officer said the results could differ after the General launches his campaign and the possibility of a Tamil candidate contesting the election.