MR signs nomination to contest from Kurunegala

Thursday, 12 March 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa signs his nomination paper while President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former President Maithripala Sirisena and party supporters look on - Pic by Jayamal Chandrasiri

GR and MS attend event along with rest of Rajapaksa family
Only one SLFP member signs nomination
SLPP acknowledges disagreements within camp
But Keheliya argues disagreements make them stronger

As the first candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday signed nomination papers to contest forthcoming General Election from the Kurunegala District.

The Prime Minister signed nomination papers at his official residence in Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo-7 followed by traditional pirith chanting ceremony. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former President Maithripala Sirisena also attended the event.

After Prime Minister Rajapaksa signed nomination papers, leaders of the respective districts signed nomination papers in front of the President and the Prime Minister.

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Senior Vice Chairman Nimal Siripala de Silva was the only member who signed the nomination from the SLFP.

Speaking to media at the SLPP head office, former MP Keheliya Rambukwella acknowledged there were disagreements in the camp, which he argued was positive as it would motivate the SLPP to work harder to win the forthcoming General Election.

“It is natural that the political party with the best chance of winning the Election will have to face the most number of challenges. Therefore, there are some disagreements within our camp. Everyone wants to contest under our symbol, therefore these are very common issues during the period of signing nominations,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the SLPP would be able to get two-third majority in Parliament with support of all political parties that were willing to contest under the SLPP symbol. The former lawmaker said only those suited to be MP would be given nomination with a background check.