Maithri confirms Wijeyadasa as SLFP Presidential candidate

Thursday, 2 May 2024 02:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former President Maithriapala Sirisena

Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe

Former President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday announced Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s (SLFP) Presidential candidate.

Speaking to the media, Sirisena denied he would contest at the polls himself and said instead the party would field Rajapakshe at the upcoming election.

“Majority in the party are in favour of Rajapakshe’s candidacy,” Sirisena said. When questioned about the party’s stance on Sirisena’s candidacy, the former President reiterated that he had fulfilled an electoral promise to serve only one term as President and therefore does not wish to contest once more.

Sirisena said Rajapakshe will have the full support of the SLFP.

Despite Sirisena’s announcement, it remains uncertain whether Rajapakshe will secure the party’s candidacy, given the ongoing internal strife within the SLFP. Both Sirisena’s and Rajapaksa’s positions as SLFP Chairman and Acting Chairman, respectively, have been legally contested by the SLFP faction led by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga.