Sirisena to run again if Constitution remains unchanged: SLFP

Thursday, 18 January 2018 00:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Himal Kotelawala

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) yesterday asserted that in the event the Constitution and the executive presidency remains unchanged, President Maithripala Sirisena will definitely be the party’s candidate at the next presidential elections.

If, however, the President refuses to run, the next person nominated by the party will contest, State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told journalists yesterday.

Speaking at the weekly SLFP press briefing, the Minister claimed the majority of Sri Lankans believe that Sirisena must be re-elected President if the Constitution cannot be changed.

If the Constitution is to be changed, the parliamentary system must also be changed, for which the SLFP will extend its fullest support, he said, adding that the presidency should not be changed alone.

“There is a perception among the people that President Sirisena has a vision. As a party, the SLFP won’t hesitate to protect him,” he said.