Sangakkara denies being asked to back Rajapaksa in Lanka poll

Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara has denied reports that he was approached by the incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa to back him in the upcoming presidential poll early next month.
In a Facebook post on his official account, the former skipper said, "I was very surprised and disappointed to hear of a story being circulated regarding His Excellency the President offering me money to support his election campaign.
"I would like to categorically confirm that at no time whatsoever have I been asked by the President in any manner to be a part of his political campaign," he said.
"The allegation being circulated on social media claiming that I have been offered a financial incentive to support his election campaign is also completely untrue. These are just false stories concocted with malicious intent that are trying to use and abuse my name and I would like to request everyone to ignore them," he added.

Local media had reported that Sangakkara, who is currently in New Zealand to play a Test series, had declined to endorse Rajapaksa in television commercials.
His comments came a day after his team mate Thilakaratne Dilshan had joined Rajapaksa's campaign.

Dilshan has appeared in TV advertisements supporting Rajapaksa.
Rajapaksa is facing a stiff challenge from a united opposition, which has nominated Rajapaksa's former Health Minister - Maithripala Sirisena - as a unity candidate.
Seeking a record third-term, Rajapaksa has called for a snap election, scheduled for January 8 next month, two years ahead of the schedule.