SLPP to finalise nominations this week

• MR and BR to head nomination committee
• Focus will be on best candidates for each district
• SLFP to take final decision at CC tomorrow

By Nuwan Senarathna

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will finalise their nominations this week for the upcoming General Election, a top party official said.

Speaking to Daily FT, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said the nomination process will be finalise this week with the participation of all political parties that backed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during the Presidential Election.

“The nomination committee will be headed by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and SLPP National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa. The best suitable persons will be given nominations and a background check will also be carried out to select most suited candidate,” he said.

He said the final decision of the nomination would be taken by the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa and assured the campaign would be led focus on getting maximum number of seats in the Parliament.

According to Kariyawasam, the nomination process would be focus on district level and a separate plan action each district will be setup. “Every party that affiliated with us get an opportunity based on how much votes they can generate,” he explained.

The SLPP General Secretary noted they would only focus on the ability of getting maximum number of votes. Referring to quota of nomination for Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP): “The percentage that SLFP get will be decided on their strength in each district. If they have strong candidates they will get more chance, therefore the percentage can go up to 40% from or remain 10%,” he added.

Kariyawasam also confirmed that the both SLPP and SLFP with other political parties that backed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during the Presidential Election would contest under the SLPP symbol.

“The Sri Lanka Nidahas Podujana Sandanaya (SLNPS) was only registered as a coalition. General Election will be contested as the SLPP under flower bud symbol as only SLPP registered to contest the election,” he added.

Meanwhile, the SLFP will take its final decision about the nominations at party’s Central Committee (CC) meeting to be held tomorrow. SLFP Spokesman former MP Weerakumara Dissanayake said the party would contest with SLPP to form a strong Government.

“We will be able to take a final decision at the CC. There is enough time to take a final decision about the nomination and we are confident that as a group we will be able to secure two-third majority in Parliament,” he said.