By Marlon Dale Ferreira
Colombo, September 24 — In a surprising announcement, former President Maithripala Sirisena stated that he will not stand for any elections in the future, yet emphasized that he has no intention of retiring from politics altogether.
Sirisena, who previously served as Sri Lanka’s president from 2015 to 2019, shared his thoughts during a recent press conference. He acknowledged the significant challenges facing the new administration led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, particularly in light of upcoming elections.
“There will be three elections in the near future, and the projected expenses for these events could reach around 40 billion,” Sirisena remarked. He expressed concern over the government’s ability to provide relief to the public amidst such financial burdens, suggesting that political stability is critical during this tumultuous time.
While he has decided to step back from electoral politics, Sirisena’s commitment to remain active within the political landscape raises questions about his future role in shaping policy and influencing party dynamics. The announcement comes at a time when Sri Lanka is grappling with various economic challenges and political unrest, underscoring the need for experienced leaders to navigate these turbulent waters.
As political alliances continue to shift and new coalitions emerge, the former president’s decision to forgo electoral candidacy while remaining politically engaged will be closely watched by observers and supporters alike.
