SLPP voter base not affected by Aragalaya: Sagara Kariyawasam 

• Says people in Sri Lanka have not rejected SLPP
• Claims SLPP will form next Govt. and prepared to face any election
• Expresses confidence in securing power in most local Govt. institutions

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam claimed the Sri Lankan people have not rejected the party.

“Our voter base has remained unchanged and will remain so. We will not lose it just because 50,000-100,000 people joined the Aragalaya and took to the streets,” he said. The MP said he is confident the next Government will be formed by a faction led by the SLPP while the party will also be able to gain power in a majority of the local Government institutions. Kariyawasam said the SLPP is prepared to face any election.

Kariyawasam made these comments following a meeting held with the SLPP leadership and representatives of other supporting parties including the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, Eelam People’s Democratic Party, Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal and the Desha Vimukthi Janatha Party. A total of nine parties took part in the meeting. The meeting was led by SLPP’s national organiser Basil Rajapaksa.

When asked if the Rajapaksas will continue in Sri Lankan politics, Kariyawasam said it was up to the people of the country. “If the people want them, then they will continue to rule,” he said.

Speaking to the media, SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said it must be decided if the Government must be changed through a struggle or through an election.

“A Government must change democratically through an election. Therefore, when we enter the election fray anyone can go to the polling station and bring whomever they wish into power,” he said.