SLPP assures background checks before nominations

Wednesday, 4 March 2020 01:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Nomination board to consider asset declaration, those with criminal records to be rejected

Former MP Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle - Pic by Ruwan Walpola

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday assured that only the best suited candidates would be included on the nominations list for the forthcoming General Election.

Speaking to the media at the SLPP head office, former MP Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle said the party would conduct a background check on each candidate to assure that only the most suitable individuals would be included on the nomination list.

“It is important to send competent individuals to Parliament to develop the nation and create a better future. Therefore the SLPP leadership will assure that only the best suited individuals will be included in the nomination list,” she added.

She also requested the public to vote suitable individuals that are capable of developing the country into Parliament. She added that the public should check the background of each candidate before casting their vote.

“We do not want any individual to ruin the reputation of Parliament and the entire country. Therefore I urge the public to send the best suited individuals.”

Dr. Fernandopulle also requested SLPP party leaders to conduct comprehensive background checks on those applying for a nomination.

Speaking at the same press conference, former MP Susantha Punchinilame reiterated that the SLPP would take special measures to select the most suitable individual as its nominees for the elections.

He said the party would conduct background checks and call for declarations of assets of each individual who will apply for nominations.

“The party will check whether those applying for nominations have any criminal records or any issues that make them unsuitable to be an MP,” he said.

The former MP also acknowledged that the public had a responsibility to only vote for suitable individuals, insisting that people had a role to play in choosing the best suited lawmakers. The March 12 Movement, a collective of civil society organisations, also called for political parties to refrain from nominating corrupt individuals for the upcoming General Election.