The public debate of the presidential candidates contesting the 2024 Presidential Election is scheduled to be held this afternoon (Sep. 07).
The event, organized by the ‘March 12 Movement’ will broadcast live from 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. today through all mainstream Television channels including ‘TV Derana’ and ‘Ada Derana 24’, and will stream on over 200 social media channels including ‘Ada Derana’ social media platforms, providing the presidential candidates an opportunity to present their policies to the public.
The Executive Director of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hetticarachchi revealed that four presidential candidates including Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna’s (SLPP) candidate Namal Rajapaksa, ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ presidential candidate Dilith Jayaweera and Tamil common candidate P. Ariyanethiran have confirmed their participation in the debate.
Commenting in this regard on Friday (06), Mr. Hetticarachchi further revealed that other presidential candidates including Anura Kumara Dissanayake have also been invited to the debate, but are yet to confirm their attendance. “We are still waiting, the leader of the National People’s Power has mentioned that they have meetings and are a bit busy, but the same applies to other candidates as well. They are yet to confirm.”
“We are still hopeful that they will take part. However, Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe’s party has informed in writing that it is difficult for him to participate. Mr. Anura Dissanayake still has the opportunity. We remain hopeful”, he had said.
The public debate is set to take place at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo tomorrow.
