COLOMBO, July 30 – A significant faction of Sri Lankan Members of Parliament has pledged support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election, despite internal divisions within the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party.
92 MPs, including several Ministers and State Ministers, met with President Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo to express their backing. This show of support was highlighted in a statement from the President’s Media Division, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring Wickremesinghe’s victory in the upcoming election.
The support comes amid a contentious backdrop, with the SLPP politburo deciding to field their own candidate for the presidential race. In response, a group of SLPP MPs and Ministers who are opposed to this decision have aligned themselves with Wickremesinghe. This includes ministers who had previously objected to the SLPP politburo’s proposal.
A notable meeting took place at the political office of United National Party MP Vajira Abeywardena on Flower Road, Colombo, where dissenting ministers and MPs gathered to discuss their support for Wickremesinghe. Participants in this discussion included Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, and State Ministers Dilum Amunugama, Anupa Pasqual, Geeta Kumarasinghe, among others.
State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon publicly reaffirmed his support for Wickremesinghe on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), regardless of the SLPP politburo’s decision. Tennakoon praised Wickremesinghe for his role in stabilizing the country during a critical period.
Similarly, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe voiced his endorsement of Wickremesinghe’s leadership. Semasinghe emphasized the importance of continuing support for Wickremesinghe to build on the progress made and avoid a return to previous crises.
As the presidential election approaches, the divisions within the SLPP and the growing support for Wickremesinghe underscore the dynamic and contested political landscape in Sri Lanka.
