RW in presidential candidacy conundrum: Marikkar

SJB Deputy National Organiser 

S.M. Marikkar 

• Says current President will be left without a party to contest at next Presidential poll
• Claims comments on 13A have proved unfavourable to Wickremesinghe 
• Announces several independent parties will join SJB in the coming weeks 
• Assures SJB leader will hold polls as scheduled after forming Govt. led by party

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Deputy National Organiser S.M. Marikkar yesterday claimed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is now facing a serious dilemma in relation to his plans of contesting the next presidential election. 

”Which party will he contest from?” MP Marikkar asked. 

The MP said the President has shot himself in the foot by his comments on the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. “While Sagara Kariyawasam is implying indirectly that Ranil Wickremesinghe won’t be their candidate, our stance is a direct assertion that he will not be considered for a candidacy,” Marikkar noted. 

”It is clear President Ranil will not be able to become the next presidential candidate. The SJB has already nominated its leader Sajith Premadasa as its candidate. The NPP will put forward Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Wickremesinghe will be left without a party to contest from,” he claimed. 

Marikkar said several independent parties will join the SJB within the next two weeks to strengthen it. “Once we come together to execute a targeted plan the Parliament will have to be dissolved. There will be a general election mid next year,” he said. “Ranil will merely have to enjoy the benefits until the end and go home,” he added. 

Marikkar also accused the President of bringing up 13A as an election ploy to attract Tamil and Muslim votes. “Hold the Local Government polls before enforcing 13A,” he challenged. 

The MP claimed the SJB will form a Government going forward and its leader Sajith Premadasa will take necessary steps to hold the next presidential election as scheduled.