In a significant development, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has officially named MP Namal Rajapaksa as their presidential candidate. This announcement follows the withdrawal of entrepreneur Dhammika Perera from the race, citing personal reasons. Perera has formally communicated his decision to the party secretary through a letter.
The SLPP, also known as “Pohottuwa,” revealed their candidate on August 7th, with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa extending his support and blessings to Namal Rajapaksa. Despite earlier reservations about Rajapaksa’s age, with Mahinda Rajapaksa previously commenting that Namal was too young to contest, the party has now endorsed him. At 38 years old, Namal Rajapaksa will be the youngest candidate in the upcoming election.
Sri Lanka’s presidential election is scheduled for September 21. Although Dhammika Perera had previously indicated his readiness to run, the reasons behind his withdrawal remain unclear.
Recent polling data from the Independent Health and Policy (IHP) research centre suggests that the SLPP candidate may only secure 7% of the vote. In contrast, Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is currently leading with 43% support, according to the latest opinion poll.
