Two significant political rallies are set to take place in the North Central Province on Saturday (12), with the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) and the opposition Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) mobilising supporters for separate events in Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
The NPP will hold its farmers’ rally at Deepa Uyana in Polonnaruwa under the theme “People’s Rule – Two Years Strong, Progress for All.”
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to address the rally, which comes as the government marks two years in office.
Meanwhile, the SLPP is preparing to hold its “Jana Satana” rally at the Anuradhapura Municipal Council Grounds, with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa expected to attend.
The Anuradhapura rally takes place against the backdrop of SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa being in remand custody following his recent arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).
Rajapaksa was arrested on Sept. 4 in connection with an investigation linked to the procurement of wide-body aircraft for SriLankan Airlines and was subsequently remanded until Sept. 18.
The SLPP has continued preparations for the Sept. 12 rally despite Rajapaksa’s detention, giving the gathering added political significance.
With the President addressing government supporters in Polonnaruwa and the SLPP gathering supporters in neighbouring Anuradhapura, the two rallies are expected to draw considerable political attention as both sides seek to demonstrate their respective support bases. (Newswire)