He has told BBC Sandeshaya that the president’s foreign policy takes him closer to Asian countries, while the PM, the foreign affairs minister and the government are west-worshippers.

Only the president has spoken of a non-aligned policy, he has said.

Mahinda as PM

According to him, the foreign policy of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa had worked initially, but failed towards the second half.

Jayatilake also said he wanted Rajapaksa to become the PM under president Sirisena.

He added that he opposed granting the president’s powers to the PM.