Major split after MR and Basil decide to campaign against President

By Easwaran Rutnam

A major split has already taken place in the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna after SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and founder Basil Rajapaksa decided to campaign against incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the election.

A number of SLPP MPs and Ministers have decided to go against the party decision and back Wickremesinghe at the upcoming election.

SLPP MP and State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon took to X saying a majority of Parliament MPs will back Wickremesinghe.

“Immaterial of the decision made by political bureau of SLPP, together with majority of parliamentary members; I will continue to support president Ranil Wickramasinghe in upcoming presidential election who rescued the country at most crucial time,” he said on X.

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said that under President Ranil Wickramasinghe’s leadership, Sri Lanka has made significant strides in overcoming the most severe crises in the history.

“His clear and decisive leadership has guided the nation toward stability and growth. To prevent a return to such challenging times, it is essential to continue supporting President Wickramasinghe’s vision and initiatives. We need to protect the country before our political views. Together, we can build a prosperous future for our country,” Semasinghe said.

Several SLPP MPs and Ministers have said they are prepared to face the consequences from the party and back Wickremesinghe at the election.

The SLPP had decided earlier to dump President Ranil Wickremesinghe and put forward its own candidate at the Presidential polls.

SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam told reporters that the SLPP decided, by majority, to nominate its own candidate at the election in September.

He said that the SLPP was split in its decision with some members backing Wickremesinghe.

However, he said the SLPP went with the majority decision and will name its candidate before the election.

He also said that action will be taken against SLPP MPs who go against the party decision and also who contest the election without the backing of the party. (Colombo Gazette)