Committed to change political culture: Mahesh

• MS and NPM to contest upcoming elections
• Say will support GR if policies meet NPM standards 
• Open to engage with any likeminded political parties

By Nuwan Senarathna 

National People’s Movement (NPM) presidential candidate and former Army Commander Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Mahesh Senanayake yesterday said they would remain committed to create a new political

Former Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake

culture and contest the upcoming Parliamentary Election to continue their quest to build an alternative political platform.  Speaking to media at the NPM office in Colombo, Senanayake said the Presidential Election was only the beginning of their movement to change the country’s political culture. He noted they would contest all upcoming elections from the National People’s Party (NPP). “This is not the end of our political journey, this is the beginning of our political journey. We will be marching from here towards the victory of the people. We are here to make sure that people’s aspirations are taken into consideration and they are the ultimate winner,” he said.

Senanayake argued the public called for a change in the country’s political culture, which led him to contest the presidential election where he received close to 50,000 votes. He noted he and NPM would continue their fight to change the country’s political culture where intellectuals and professional would be elected as lawmakers.

“We will contest the upcoming elections from the National People’s Party. This is a move for the betterment of the people. The General Election will be a different election as there is space for a diversity of views to be expressed.”

Referring to election results, Senanayake congratulated President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and said they would support his policies if they meet NPM standards. He noted they would respect the people’s mandate given to Rajapaksa. “We will not trip up anyone. We will support the right things. As a group, we will support any move that will be beneficial for the people. We will be a good example for everyone.”

He noted the NPM was open to principle-based discussion with any political party or movement. Senanayake noted they would only consider working with those who agree to meets their principles when fielding candidates for upcoming elections.

“We are open for discussions but only those who meet our standards to be selected as our political representatives. We are fully committed to maintaining our goal to create a new political culture in the country,” he said.

Pic by Lasantha Kumara