AKD says will back off if neutral person comes forward for Presidency

JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake

JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday said he will back off from contesting if a politically neutral person comes forward for full-time Presidency.

Dissanayake gave this assurance during a meeting with a group of Galle Face Aragalaya activists yesterday.

He said that Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe is vying to serve the remainder of President Gotabaya’s term thereby and also a Prime Minister from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna furthering the interests of Rajapaksas.

He said the people’s demand included both the President and Wickremesinghe to step down as the need was for an all-party temporary caretaker Government to bring stability to the crisis-hit country and thereafter to go for a fully-fledged election to establish a strong Government.

“There were several rounds of discussions among all parties for a common candidate but there has been no breakthrough. If all parties get together and agree to nominate 2 MPs for the Presidency and Premiership, who do not have aspirations of holding these positions in the long run, then I will withdraw from the contest,” Dissanayake said.

He further said the JVP is also willing to accept responsibilities in an upcoming interim government, if the condition is to nominate 2 such MPs for President and Prime Minister as well as agree on the short term action plan to stabilise the country in a short period and go for fresh elections as soon as possible.

Apart from Dissanayake, SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, SLPP MP Dullas Alahapperuma and MP Sarath Fonseka have expressed their decision to stand for Presidency. Though Wickremesinghe has not formally announced his nomination, SLPP General Secretary and MP Sagara Kariyawasam on Friday announced the party’s support for Acting President’s candidacy.

Nominations are expected tomorrow with MPs voting on Wednesday.