Members of Parliament, Provincial Councils, and Local Government members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) representing the Gampah...
Members of Parliament, Provincial Councils, and Local Government members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) representing the Gampaha district have pledged their support to ensure the victory of President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election.
This pledge was made during the District Power Board meeting of the SLPP held at the office of the Government Party Chief Organizer, Urban Development and Housing Minister Mr. Prasanna Ranatunga in Udugampola.
In the last general election, 13 MPs were elected to Parliament from the SLPP. Nine of these MPs have already declared their dedication to securing the President's victory.
Mr. Nalaka Godahewa, elected to Parliament from Gampaha District representing the SLPP, joined the United People's Party a few months ago. State Ministers Prasanna Ranaweera and Indika Anuruddha are acting according to the party's decision, while the position of Ms. Sudarshani Fernandopulle remains unclear. However, sources close to her indicate she is ready to support the President.
Minister Naleen Fernando and MP Nimal Lanza have left the SLPP but have declared their support for President Wickremesinghe. Additionally, State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, representing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, is also backing the President.
The district council meeting yesterday saw the participation of Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, Milan Jayathilaka, Sahan Pradeep Withana, Kokila Harshani Gunawardena, Upul Mahendra Rajapaksa, and Sisira Jayakodi. Thirteen of the 16 former provincial council members of the Gampaha district and nearly 350 former local government institution members also attended.
The Gampaha district has 19 local government bodies. The former chairmen of the Gampaha Municipal Council, and local councils of Gampaha, Byagama, Ja-Ela, Kelaniya, Mahara, and Minuwangoda are reportedly in favor of the SLPP's stance. However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has garnered the support of the former vice presidents and majority members of these councils.
Only 123 people participated in a meeting in Divulapitiya under the chairmanship of State Minister Indika Anuruddha. Despite calling local government councilors to the meeting, fewer than 20 attended, including six former local government chairpersons. The remaining attendees were reportedly outsiders.
Meanwhile, approximately ten local government councilors, including the former chairman of Katunayake-Seeduwa Municipal Council, Mr. Chamil Nishantha, pledged their commitment to securing the President's victory at the district council meeting chaired by Minister Prasanna Ranatunga.
Minister Ranatunga emphasized his continued membership in the SLPP, stating that despite not receiving positions from the party, he is content with the positions given to him by the people.
In his remarks, Minister Ranatunga said:
"Today we are fighting based on what the district leader says. I fought with Felix Perera to nominate Prasanna Ranaweera. It was very difficult, but we won by taking the challenge head-on. I love the country. When Mahinda lost, many abandoned him, but I stayed. I organized meetings and stood by him. These local government councilors made me a leader."
He also mentioned proposals to make him Prime Minister, which he declined. "We need to know how to grow stronger. Today, some party members talk about policies. If it doesn't suit them, they remain ministers for two years."
He praised the President's efforts to rebuild the country after the crisis, criticizing those who work according to personal agendas instead of the country's needs. He expressed uncertainty about the party's candidate but affirmed his commitment to keeping the party united.
Gampaha District MP Mr. Milan Jayathilaka added:
"We have endured immense hardship and suffering. Our Gampaha district has faced significant challenges. If we make the wrong decision again, we will fail. If we cannot ensure the security of the country, our party members, and the people, we have failed in governance. We have a majority group that can implement our vision. Together, we support Ranil Wickremesinghe."
No comments