Basil says SLPP willing to forge or break alliances in national interest

Saturday, 11 May 2024 00:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says SLPP is yet to finalise its presidential candidate for upcoming election
Expresses optimism a candidate will be chosen and announced by Mahinda Rajapaksa soon
Claims party will decide if it wants to continue working with Ranil Wickremesinghe
Opens SLPP elections operations office in Battaramulla

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) founder Basil Rajapaksa yesterday said the party stands ready to align with or disengage from any group in the interest of the country.

Rajapaksa, speaking to the media at the opening of the party elections operations office, revealed that the SLPP has not yet finalised its candidate for the upcoming Presidential election. However, he expressed optimism that a decision on the party’s Presidential nominee will be reached soon.

He emphasised that the party leadership will be briefed to facilitate a decision on this matter. “The candidate will be announced by SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa” he said.

When asked if the party will be willing to join hands with Ranil Wickremesinghe and his faction at the upcoming polls, Rajapaksa said the matter is up to the party to decide. He said there is no call for any particular candidate by party members yet.

He acknowledged that he stepped down from his position as National Organiser to create space for younger politicians. When asked whether Namal Rajapaksa could secure the Presidential candidacy, Rajapaksa pointed out that Namal has already been entrusted with a significant role as National Organiser.

When journalists inquired about the current status of the SLPP’s voter base, Basil Rajapaksa responded that he was not privy to that information and could assess it only after an election was conducted.

The party elections operations office was opened in Rajamalwatta, Battaramulla yesterday. According to the party, similar offices will be opened across the island in the lead-up to elections.