RW in presidential candidacy conundrum: Marikkar

Friday, 18 August 2023 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.