Addressing the media, Namal Rajapaksa said Fonseka’s statement that Mahinda Rajapaksa is not a murderer undermines long-standing accusations made by political opponents and sections of the diaspora.
He noted that during the final phase of the conflict, Mahinda Rajapaksa had publicly called on the leadership of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to surrender, adding that such calls were consistent with efforts to conclude the war swiftly.
Namal Rajapaksa stressed that the military campaign was aimed at defeating terrorism and not at targeting Tamil civilians. He said the administration at the time sought to bring the three-decade conflict to an end with the least possible loss of life, while preserving the country’s territorial integrity.
He further stated that the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces should be acknowledged and respected, and warned against what he described as attempts to rewrite history for political gain.
Referring to post-war reconstruction, Namal Rajapaksa highlighted infrastructure projects, including expressways and airports, launched during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s tenure, arguing that they symbolized a transition from war to development.
He maintained that the former President’s legacy should be assessed in the broader context of restoring peace and rebuilding the country after decades of conflict, rather than through what he termed politically motivated allegations.
