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UNP Member of Parliament Milinda Moragoda says the forthcoming presidential election is not about patriots and traitors and it was divisive to say so. Moragoda said he saw a dangerous situation in that and he was worried about those who suddenly start talking about patriotism and questioning about others patriotism.

Moragoda told The Island, “In this election the lines are clear. What I find divisive in this election is that we are talking of patriots and traitors. Some people are trying to say that in this environment it is how one looks at it. But, this is dangerous. I am a patriot you are a patriot. All of us are patriots because we feel and love our country. But, we have different approaches on how we are going to move forward. Therefore I am very worried about those who suddenly start talking about patriotism and questioning about others patriotism. It is a dangerous situation and we saw what happened in Germany.”

Moragoda warned that even Mahinda Rajapakse has to be careful to ensure that he doesn’t get dragged in that direction. The UNP MP said “ I know of him, I respect him as somebody who has presented a different view point. He must be careful. When you use terms loosely. There is a danger of that. I hope both leaders will think and work towards uniting the country than dividing the country. I can tell you clearly that’s what the people want in the country.”

When questioned as to how he saw Mr. Rajapakse, Moragoda said “He is somebody who has a vision and a plan. I believe the two contestants very clearly present two different views and it is presented in a very dignified manner. Rajapakse and Wickremasinghe are worthy opponents and it’s up to the people to decide”

Moragoda said he couldn’t speculate if both leaders could work together. “It is up to the two of them. They have to decide on what kind of country they have to create. They have to decide if they would let this country be divided.”