SLPP yet to consider individual for Presidential candidacy

• SLPP Chief says not considered anyone yet, would wait for former President Rajapaksa’s advice
• Vasu backtracks on earlier remarks to media regarding Gota contesting

By Skandha Gunasekara

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLPP) yesterday clarified that they haven’t yet considered a candidate for the 2020 Presidential election. SLPP Head Professor G. L. Peiris told the Daily FT that they were still in the process of identifying a candidate.

“When the time is right, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will inform us of who our Presidential candidate should be. Thus far, we have not considered anyone,” Professor Peiris said.  Following the launch of former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s Viyatha Maga Vision 2030 economic policy for the country, speculation was rife that he would be fielded as the next Presidential candidate for the SLPP. 

Professor Peiris noted that no decision had been taken regarding a candidate despite speculation. 

“This whole issue has become reactionary manoeuvre. There is still over a year before the next Presidential election, giving us ample time to decide on our candidate,” he said.

Addressing the media last Sunday (27 May), Joint Opposition Parliamentarian Vasudeva Nanayakkara said that Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was not a suitable presidential candidate for reasons including the latter’s military career and inability to garner minority votes. 

However, when the Daily FT inquired from MP Nanayakkara on the matter, the MP, backtracking on his remarks made to the media on Sunday, said that he was reserving his comments on the issue.  “I am reserving my comments on the matter. There are certain things I must have clarified first from the SLPP, its leader, the former President and others,” MP Nanayakkara said.