Kumar Sangakkara denies being asked to back Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka poll

COLOMBO: 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.