Colombo, July 7 (LankaXpress) Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), has indicated his party’s support for current President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the forthcoming Presidential election. This statement was made during a ceremony on July 6, celebrating SLPP National Organizer and MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena’s 27-year political career.
Basil Rajapaksa highlighted that the SLPP, despite their chairman’s departure, believes President Wickremesinghe can lead the country through its current challenges. “Even when the SLPP chairman left the party, we decided that Ranil could save the country. He has given that support till date and will continue to do so. He has done for the country,” said Rajapaksa.
The SLPP has yet to officially announce their presidential candidate, though MP Dhammika Perera has expressed his readiness to contest. The final decision rests with the SLPP. The election is scheduled between September 17th and October 16th.
The ceremony at Kalutara was attended by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, MP Namal Rajapaksa, MP Dhammika Perera, and other SLPP members.
President Wickremesinghe emphasized his commitment to collaborating with the Rajapaksas and the SLPP to steer Sri Lanka out of its economic crisis.