COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (September 3, 2024) —Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the presidential candidate representing the National People’s Power (NPP), confidently asserts that no efforts by his opponents, Ranil Wickremesinghe or Sajith Premadasa, can derail his path to victory in the upcoming presidential election. Speaking at a well-attended rally in Homagama, Dissanayake emphasized that the majority of Sri Lankans have already made up their minds to elect him as the next president.
During his speech, Dissanayake highlighted the fragmented state of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), pointing out that the party has splintered into various factions, each aligning with different political leaders. He noted that prominent figures such as Dr. Bandula Gunawardana, Dinesh Gunawardena, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, and Rohitha Abegunawardhana have thrown their support behind Ranil Wickremesinghe. Conversely, leaders like G. L. Peiris, Nalaka Godahewa, and Dullas Alahapperuma have aligned themselves with Sajith Premadasa, creating a rift within the SLPP.
Dissanayake further criticized the internal conflicts within other parties, mentioning instances where former allies have turned against each other. He referred to the ongoing feud between Arjuna Ranatunga and Thilanga Sumathipala, both of whom were seen at Sajith Premadasa’s rallies despite their past animosities. Additionally, he highlighted the unlikely alliance between Patali Champika Ranawaka and Rishad Bathiudeen, who have also joined forces in support of Premadasa.
Dissanayake argued that these political maneuvers demonstrate the desperation of his opponents. He suggested that both Wickremesinghe and Premadasa are now facing internal challenges, with some members of their respective factions even contemplating unification to counter the NPP’s growing influence. However, Dissanayake dismissed these efforts as futile, asserting that it is too late to reverse the momentum that the NPP has gained.
In closing, Dissanayake expressed his unwavering belief that the people of Sri Lanka have already chosen the NPP as their preferred option for leadership, and no strategy employed by his opponents will be sufficient to alter the outcome of the election. His speech in Homagama was met with enthusiastic support, reinforcing his confidence in an NPP victory.
