Amid the 2024 parliamentary election campaign, internal divisions within the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) are becoming increasingly visible. The tensions surfaced prominently at a meeting in Pudaluoya on Friday evening, chaired by SLPP National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa. The gathering highlighted the party’s ongoing struggles with unity, especially regarding some of its senior members.
The event saw disruptions during the speech of former Minister C.B. Ratnayake, who is contesting in the Nuwara Eliya district. Some attendees interrupted Ratnayake, voicing frustration over unfulfilled promises made by former MPs, which they said were hindering public election efforts. Ratnayake attempted to defend his loyalty to party leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, asserting that he had not abandoned the party or tried to profit from it.
The protestors directed their anger towards party leadership, demanding that former MPs, whom they referred to as “thieves,” should not be allowed back into the fold. Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage also faced criticism during the heated exchanges.
In an effort to calm the crowd, Namal Rajapaksa addressed the complaints, promising, “No, we won’t let them back in. Let’s stop it right now.” His response, however, reflected the embarrassment and challenges facing the SLPP as it grapples with internal discord.
