Colombo — Despite the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) politburo’s decision to field their own candidate in the forthcoming presidential election, a faction within the party, including several Ministers and MPs, has publicly pledged their support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon took to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to announce his continued support for President Wickremesinghe, asserting that the President’s leadership during critical times has earned his loyalty. Tennakoon emphasized that his commitment to Wickremesinghe remains steadfast despite the SLPP’s decision to choose an alternative candidate.
“Regardless of the SLPP politburo’s decision, I, along with the majority of parliamentary members, will support President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election. He rescued our country during its most challenging times,” Tennakoon stated.
Similarly, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe voiced his support on X, highlighting the President’s role in steering Sri Lanka through severe crises. Semasinghe lauded Wickremesinghe’s leadership, which he believes has been crucial for the nation’s stability and growth.
“Under President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership, Sri Lanka has made significant progress in overcoming severe challenges. His decisive actions have guided us toward stability. It is crucial to support his vision and initiatives to prevent a return to crisis,” Semasinghe wrote.
A group of SLPP Ministers who opposed the politburo’s proposal met with President Wickremesinghe on July 29 to discuss their stance. The meeting, held at the political office of United National Party MP Vajira Abeywardena, resulted in a formal decision by these ministers to back Wickremesinghe in the upcoming election.
Among those participating in the discussion were Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, State Ministers Dilum Amunugama, Anupa Pasqual, Geeta Kumarasinghe, and MPs Mahindananda Aluthgamage, S.B. Dissanayake, and Premnath C. Dolawatte. This group has committed to supporting President Wickremesinghe despite the ongoing internal disagreements within the SLPP.
The SLPP’s internal divisions reflect broader political tensions as Sri Lanka approaches its presidential election, with key figures within the party choosing sides in a bid to influence the country’s future leadership.
