Namal Rajapaksa has thrown down a gauntlet ahead of Sri Lanka’s upcoming elections, declaring that no one will contest under the Pohottuwa symbol without first passing a police check for links to drugs and organized crime.
Speaking as the National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Rajapaksa said a police report will be mandatory for every aspiring candidate before they are granted nominations. He stressed that this measure is crucial to safeguard the integrity of the party and to distance itself from individuals tainted by criminal activities. With Provincial Council elections expected in the near future, Rajapaksa emphasized the need to finalize how nominations will be issued and how alliances will be structured.
He further noted that consultations will take place with the party’s sister groups, the Left, and other political allies who have long cooperated with the SLPP. According to him, discussions among leadership circles will determine a unified stance on how to present candidates, ensuring credibility and public trust.
Rajapaksa also hinted at his own future political role, stating that while he would announce how he plans to contest only after an election date is fixed, he intends to face the polls under the banner of a strong political party. His remarks highlight a strategic effort to strengthen the SLPP’s position by addressing public concerns about corruption, criminal infiltration, and lawlessness in politics.
By linking nominations directly to police clearances, Rajapaksa positions the SLPP as a party seeking to clean up its image while reinforcing its grip on the electoral stage.
