Cricketer Dilshan backs Rajapaksa in Lanka Presidential poll

Sri Lankan cricketer Thilakaratne Dilshan today announced his support for the incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is seeking a record third-term in the upcoming presidential poll early next month.

The 38-year-old cricketer from the island-nation, who is also part of Sri Lanka's World Cup squad to be played in Australia next year, met the president earlier today with a group of young people and announced his support for Rajapaksa.

Dilshan, who is also a former captain of the Lankan cricket team, has already appeared in television commercials in support of 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.
 

Rajapaksa has called for a snap election, scheduled for January 8 next month, two years ahead of the schedule.