The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has decided to support Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the Parliamentary vote to elect the next President.
The matter was confirmed by SLPP General Secretary Parliamentarian Sagara Kariyawasam.
Issuing a statement, the SLPP General Secretary said, Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned from his post to facilitate the appointment of an all-party government.
He said therefore if the SLPP nominates a Member of Parliament for the Presidency, then they will not be able to achieve the goal of forming an all-party government.
Parliamentarian Sagara Kariyawasam noted that they decided not to field a SLPP candidate for next week’s vote to elect a new President.
He said however a MP who contested from the SLPP has now announced that he will run for Presidency.
MP Kariyawasam noted that the move is a clear challenge to the fundamental policy of the SLPP which is seeking the formation of an all-party government.
He said considering the new development, the SLPP has decided to support Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the Parliamentary vote to elect the next President.
Parliamentarian Sagara Kariyawasam said the decision was taken following lengthy discussions.
He said Sri Lanka is facing serious economic and social challenges and the country cannot make experiments at this juncture.
He said after considering the political experience, international relations and skills of Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe, they are of the view that he is the correct person to lead the country.
MP Kariyawasam added that considering the current composition of Parliament, it is evident that Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe is the individual who is least likely to take decisions based on interests of the party.
He said additionally they party discussed several other matters and then decided to support Ranil Wickremesinghe’s candidacy.
Meanwhile, nominations will be accepted for the appointment of a new President on Tuesday (19).
When inquired by NewsRadio, Serjeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando said the decision was taken at the party leaders’ meeting held this morning.
Serjeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando said if more than one MP is nominated for the post of President then a vote will be taken in Parliament on Wednesday.
