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SLPP decides to dump Ranil and have its own candidate

29 Jul, 2024

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By Easwaran Rutnam

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has decided 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.

Kariyawasam said that among the factors that tilted against Wickremesinghe were issues related to privatising State assets.

Rajapaksa loyalist and former diplomat Udayanga Weeratunga had said on Friday that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will nominate businessman Dhammika Perera as its Presidential candidate.

He also said that SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa will be nominated as the Prime Minister in an SLPP-led Government.

Sri Lanka will go to the polls to elect a new President on 21 September 2024. (Colombo Gazette)

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