Former Minister Sirisena Cooray whose future role in national politics has been the subject of much speculation since his recent return from Australia said yesterday that he has been misreported and misunderstood as a result.

"I did not say anywhere that I plan to stand as an independent candidate at a future presidential election. I was asked in an interview whether I would stand as the candidate from Mr. H.R. Piyasiri's new party.

"I replied that I would not and said that if I did want to stand, I could as an independent. I added in that context that if I did run, I would run to win. What I meant then and mean now is that I won't be used by anybody to be a `spoiler' candidate.''

Mr. Cooray said that he has not yet made up his mind on a future role, if any, in politics. But he certainly was not going to seek entry to places where he was not wanted.

"Some people seem keen on leaving an impression that I am trying to threaten the UNP by saying I would allow myself to be used by the government unless I am not invited to rejoin my old party. That is far from the truth. That has never been my style and will never be,'' he said.