Mahinda mandated to pick Pohottuwa Presidential candidate 

• SLPP politburo decides its candidate will be decided and announced by leader Mahinda Rajapaksa 
• SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardane says MPs will not present personal views on the subject going forward
• Claims there are no rifts within SLPP despite the many rumours and claims

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Rohitha Abeygunaw-ardane yesterday confirmed that the party’s presidential candidate will be determined by its leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa shortly. 

The MP said the decision was reached during the party’s politburo meeting held yesterday. Addressing the media following the meeting, Abeygunawardane clarified that the party’s politburo had determined that the party’s candidate and the declaration of candidacy would solely be made by party leader Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“The politburo decided to delegate the pertinent responsibilities to the party leader,” he noted. The MP said individual MPs will not present their personal views on the matter going forward. 

“At an opportune moment, leader Mahinda Rajapaksa will make the announcement regarding our presidential candidate as agreed on by the party and its politburo,” he said.

“Some may persistently inquire about our presidential candidate. However, it will only be announced when we are fully prepared. Until then, speculation is premature,” he added.  

Abeygunawardane emphasised that the party membership remains under the stewardship of Mahinda Rajapaksa, highlighting that his opinions hold significant value for both the party and the nation. “There is no division in the party despite the various claims,” he affirmed. 

At the previous politburo meeting held on 27 March, party members were directed by Rajapaksa to abstain from expressing their personal opinions regarding the party’s presidential candidacy and potential candidates after MPs presented varying views to the media. 

 

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