No curfew passes will be issued by Police stations, during the curfew period imposed until 06.00 am on Sunday (22), Police said.

Issuing a statement, Police said that essential and emergency workers can use their employee identification documents to travel during the curfew. (Newswire)

The post Islandwide Police Curfew : Police issues clarification appeared first on Newswire.

• Media statement from Foreign Minister Ali Sabry

No matter the outcome of today’s election, I’m incredibly proud to have been part of President RW’s team. His leadership came at a time when our country was facing an unprecedented crisis. Back then, it felt like hope was lost—people were leaving in large numbers, queues for basic necessities like oil and gas were a daily reality, inflation was spiraling out of control, and shortages in essentials like fertilizer and medicine were alarming.

Fast forward two years, and the transformation is undeniable. Stability has returned, the rupee has strengthened, and inflation is now firmly under control. The government’s reforms have not only increased revenues but also bolstered our reserves, leading to a much-needed fiscal consolidation.

The restructuring of our debt, which brought a $17 billion advantage to the country, was a major milestone. Now, if we stay committed to following the DSA benchmarks, Sri Lanka could be on a slow yet steady path towards sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

It’s easy to criticize from the sidelines, but stepping into the arena and tackling these challenges head-on takes immense courage and determination. Looking back, I’m proud that we answered the call when our country needed us most and gave everything we had to help rebuild our nation.

Now, we await the next chapter with hope and optimism. (Newswire)

The post Presidential Election: Statement from Foreign Minister Ali Sabry appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka is preparing to conduct its next Presidential Election on 21 September 2024, which will see 38 candidates contesting. 

The election will kick off with postal voting being held on the first week of September, with the postal ballots having already been distributed.

Leading up to the election, Manthri.lk, which profiles the activities of each Parliamentarian, has listed five key facts on the nation’s past Presidential Elections. 

1. Polonnaruwa is the only district that has consistently voted for the winner during the past 8 presidential elections. This makes Polonnaruwa the only bellwether district in Sri Lanka’s presidential election history.
2. G.G. Ponnambalam (1982) & Osvin Abeygunasekara (1988) are the only two presidential candidates, aside from the winner and runner-up, to have won a polling division in a presidential election. Ponnambalam is the only such candidate to have also won an electoral district.
3. The North-Central, Western and Southern are the only provinces that have produced an elected president, containing the ‘home’ district of the presidents elected from 1982 to 2019.
4. There have only been 4 female candidates who have contested during the past 8 presidential elections. In 1994, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga became the first female president of Sri Lanka, obtaining more than 60% of the votes.
5. The lowest gap of votes between the winner and the runner-up was reported in the 2005 presidential election. Mahinda Rajapaksa became the president by obtaining 1.86% more votes than Ranil Wickremasinghe. That’s just 180,786 votes, in an election where 3,500,382 people didn’t vote. (Newswire)

The post Five interesting facts on SL Presidential Elections from Manthri.lk appeared first on Newswire.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs. (Newswire)

The post Special Govt holiday: New announcement appeared first on Newswire.

National Peoples Power (NPP) Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed hope for a peaceful transition of power.

Speaking to the media, MP Dissanayake appealed to the public to remain calm following the announcement of the elected President.

‘I trust that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will make way for the democratically elected successor and retire gracefully,’ MP Dissanayake said.

The NPP Presidential candidate added that he does not believe the President will create any issues during the transition of power. (Newswire)

The post AKD expects peaceful transfer of power from Ranil appeared first on Newswire.

A total of 164 violations of the Election Law have been reported today, during the course of the 2024 Presidential Election.

According to the election monitoring body, People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL), among the violations, 109 are confirmed and 55 are unconfirmed. 

The violations reported are related to attacks on political party/candidate Offices, carrying out Illegal election propaganda, maintaining Illegal party offices, influencing voters, irregularities relating to Ballot Papers, and casting votes illegally/attempting to impersonate. 

PAFFREL further said that the 2024 Presidential Election has been largely peaceful. 

Meanwhile, the National Election Commission Chairman also said that no major incidents of election law violations have been reported during the course of the Presidential Election. 

The Election Commission Chairman also confirmed that the 2024 Presidential Polls have been largely peaceful. (Newswire)

The post Election Law violations : Update from PAFFREL appeared first on Newswire.

Voting in Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election concluded at 04.00 pm today. 

According to the National Election Commission, the first result of the election, which is the postal votes, is expected to be released before midnight today.

The Election Commission further said that it hopes to complete announcing the election results by tomorrow (Sep 22), even if it enters counting preferential votes. 

“Postal vote counting will begin around 4.30 to 5.00 PM, and we expect to release the first postal results before midnight today,” Election Commission officials said. (Newswire)

The post Voting concludes : When can we expect the first result? appeared first on Newswire.

Voting in Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election concluded at 04.00 pm today. 

According to the District Returning Officers, the approximate voter turnout at the close of voting at 04.00 pm today is as follows;

• Nuwara Eliya – around 80%
• Colombo – 75%
• Ratnapura – over 74%
• Kegalle – 72%
• Kurunegala – 79% 
• Gampaha – 80%
• Puttalam – 78%
• Monaragala – 80%
• Badulla – 73%
• Digamadulla – 70%
• Vanni – 71%
• Batticaloa – 65-70%
• Trincomalee – 76.8%
• Polonnaruwa – 78%
• Colombo – 78% 
• Kandy – between 75-80%
• Galle – 74%  
• Hambantota – 78%
• Matara – more than 75%
• Kalutara – 75%
• Anuradhapura – more than 75%
• Jaffna – 66% (Newswire)

The post Presidential Election 2024 : Voter percentage as of 4 PM appeared first on Newswire.

According to the Commission, only registered media outlets are permitted to broadcast or telecast live election results.

Unregistered media platforms, including online channels and social media, are prohibited from posting live results.

Media organisations are also ordered not to post any unofficial election results.

The Commission emphasized that these measures aim to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the election process. Legal action will be taken against those who violate these guidelines. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka Presidential Election results : Notice from EC appeared first on Newswire.

As of the first three hours of voting in Sri Lanka’s presidential election, the Pafferal Election Monitoring team has reported a peaceful process, with only 35 complaints/incidents related to electoral and general law violations. Despite these incidents, the voting across the country remains orderly, with citizens casting their ballots.

The post Sri Lanka voting peaceful : Only 35 election violation incidents in 3 hrs appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election got underway today with voting commencing at 07.00 am at 13,421 polling stations across the island and 17,140,354 voters eligible to cast their ballots.

According to District Returning Officers, voter percentage as of 10 am is as follows;

• Colombo – 20%
• Ratnapura – 20%
• Kalutara – 31%
• Matara – 27%
• Galle – 18%
• Kegalle – 14.8%  
• Nuwaraeliya – 10%
• Jaffna – 10%-
• Puttalam – 23%
• Kurunegala – 30%
• Polonnaruwa – 38%
• Trincomolee – 30.4% 
• Monaragala – 18%
• Gampaha – 25%
• Mullaitivu – 25%
• Vavuniya – 30%
• Kegalle – 15%
• Ampara – 30%
• Mannar – 29%
• Kandy – 20%
• Badulla – 21%
• Batticaloa – 17% (Newswire)

The post Presidential Election 2024 : Voter percentage as of 10 am appeared first on Newswire.

Media statement from Foreign Minister Ali Sabry;

No matter the outcome of today’s election, I’m incredibly proud to have been part of President RW’s team. His leadership came at a time when our country was facing an unprecedented crisis. Back then, it felt like hope was lost—people were leaving in large numbers, queues for basic necessities like oil and gas were a daily reality, inflation was spiralling out of control, and shortages in essentials like fertilizer and medicine were alarming.

Fast forward two years and the transformation is undeniable. Stability has returned, the rupee has strengthened, and inflation is now firmly under control. The government’s reforms have not only increased revenues but also bolstered our reserves, leading to a much-needed fiscal consolidation. 

The restructuring of our debt, which brought a $17 billion advantage to the country, was a major milestone. Now, if we stay committed to following the DSA benchmarks, Sri Lanka could be on a slow yet steady path towards sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

It’s easy to criticize from the sidelines, but stepping into the arena and tackling these challenges head-on takes immense courage and determination. Looking back, I’m proud that we answered the call when our country needed us most and gave everything we had to help rebuild our nation.

Now, we await the next chapter with hope and optimism.

9:39 PM
Breaking : An island-wide curfew has been imposed from 10 pm today (Sep 21) until 06 am tomorrow (Sep 22). 

Despite the presidential election having been conducted in a peaceful manner, the Police said the curfew has been imposed in view of the safety of the public.  

08.00 pm

Newswire.lk is officially accredited by the Election Commission of Sri Lanka to deliver the 2024 Presidential Election results. 

Counting of votes for the 2024 Presidential election began this evening with postal votes being counted first.

07.09 pm

The government has declared Monday, 23rd September, as a special public holiday.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.

06.00 pm

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has highlighted the importance of safeguarding democracy through peace, unity, and friendship. 

He stressed that it is the responsibility and duty of all citizens to work together to uphold these values.

Premadasa made these remarks after casting his vote at the Vivekarama Purana Viharaya in Kottewegedara, Rajagiriya.

05.33 PM 

Election monitoring body, People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) says voter turnout for Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential Election was reported at 75-80%.

PAFFREL stated that, according to its Election Monitors, the voter turnout in 2024 is lower than the 83% reported in the 2019 Presidential election.

“Even if the top 3 candidates obtain 33%, 32%, and 31% of the votes respectively, the 3rd will be eliminated, and the 2nd count will be between the top 2 only, as per the constitution.” Mahinda Deshapriya

05.21 PM

The National Election Commission has announced that the counting of postal votes for the 2024 Presidential Election has commenced. 

05.16 PM

National Peoples Power (NPP) Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed hope for a peaceful transition of power.

Speaking to the media, MP Dissanayake appealed to the public to remain calm following the announcement of the elected President.

‘I trust that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will make way for the democratically elected successor and retire gracefully,’ MP Dissanayake said.

The NPP Presidential candidate added that he does not believe the President will create any issues during the transition of power. 

05.07 PM

Presidential Election 2024 :  Approximate voter turnout at the close of voting (04 PM)

• Nuwara Eliya – around 80%
• Colombo – 75%
• Ratnapura – over 74%
• Kegalle – 72%
• Kurunegala – 79% 
• Gampaha – 80%
• Puttalam – 78%
• Monaragala – 80%
• Badulla – 73%
• Digamadulla – 70%
• Vanni – 71%
• Batticaloa – 65-70%
• Trincomalee – 76.8%
• Polonnaruwa – 78%
• Colombo – 78% 
• Kandy – between 75-80%
• Galle – 74%  
• Hambantota – 78%
• Matara – more than 75%
• Kalutara – 75%
• Anuradhapura – more than 75%
• Jaffna – 66%

3 PM

A total of 164 violations of the Election Law have been reported today, during the course of the 2024 Presidential Election.

According to the election monitoring body, People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL), among the violations, 109 are confirmed and 55 are unconfirmed. 

The violations reported are related to attacks on political party/candidate Offices, carrying out Illegal election propaganda, maintaining Illegal party offices, influencing voters, irregularities relating to Ballot Papers, and casting votes illegally/attempting to impersonate. 

PAFFREL further said that the 2024 Presidential Election has been largely peaceful. 

Meanwhile, the National Election Commission Chairman also said that no major incidents of election law violations have been reported during the course of the Presidential Election. 

The Election Commission Chairman also confirmed that the 2024 Presidential Polls has been largely peaceful. 

04.11 pm

Voting in Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election concluded at 04.00 pm today. 

According to the National Election Commission, the first result of the election, which is the postal votes, is expected to be released before midnight today.

The Election Commission further said that it hopes to complete announcing the election results by tomorrow (Sep 22), even if it enters counting preferential votes. 

“Postal vote counting will begin around 4.30 to 5.00 PM, and we expect to release the first postal results before midnight today,” Election Commission officials said. 

03.40 pm

The National Election Commission has requested the public not to be concerned over the use of pencils to mark ballot papers in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Issuing a statement, the Election Commission said that all polling stations were issued pens to mark ballots.

However, the Commission has received complaints of voters being provided with pencils, raising concerns over the validity of the ballots.

The Election Commission clarified that ballot papers marked with pencils will be valid and for the public not to worry in this regard.

Instructions have also been issued to polling stations to use pens for the marking of ballot papers, the Commission added.

Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election got underway today at 07.00 am and will conclude at 04.00 pm today. 

03.00 PM

According to District Returning Officers, the voter percentage as of 2 PM is as follows;

• Kurunegala – 65%
• Kegalle – 65%
• Gampaha – 62%
• Galle – 61%
• Puttalam – 57%
• Nuwara Eliya – 70%
• Matara – 62%
• Rathnapura – 60%
• Colombo – 60%
• Kalutara – 60%
• Mannar – 60%
• Badulla – 56 %
• Trincomalee – 54%
• Monaragala – 65%
• Digamadulla – 60%
• Hambantota – 60%
• Vanni – 58%
• Jaffna – 49%

02.30 pm

Presidential Election 2024 :  Voter turnout as of 01 pm

• Nuwara Eliya – 70%
• Monaragala – 62%
• Kalutara – 60%
• Anuradhapura – 45%
• Polonnaruwa – 55%
• Ratnapura – 55%
• Gampaha – 52%
• Trincomalee – 51%
• Colombo – 50%
• Kurunegala – 50%
• Kegalle – 49%
• Vanni – 46.82%
• Galle – 45%
• Puttalam – 42%
• Matara – 40%
• Kandy – 40%
• Badulla – 40%
• Jaffna – 35%

10.52 am

Presidential Election 2024 :  Voter percentage as of 10 am

• Colombo – 20%
• Ratnapura – 20%
• Kalutara – 31%
• Matara – 27%
• Galle – 18%
• Kegalle – 14.8%  
• Nuwara Eliya – 10%
• Jaffna – 10%-
• Puttalam – 23%
• Kurunegala – 30%
• Polonnaruwa – 38%
• Trincomolee – 30.4% 
• Monaragala – 18%
• Digamadulla – 30%
• Gampaha – 25%
• Mullaitivu – 25%
• Vavubiya – 30%
• Kegalle – 15%
• Ampara – 30%
• Mannar – 29%

07.00 am

Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election got underway today with voting commencing at 07.00 am across the island. 

Voting for the 2024 Presidential Polls will be conducted from 07.00 am to 04.00 pm at 13,421 polling stations.

A total of 38 candidates are contesting the election, and 17,140,354 voters are eligible to cast their ballots.

Voters are advised to carry their official polling cards, while those without the official polling cards are advised to carry the accepted forms of identification, such as National Identity Card (NIC), Valid Passport, Valid Driving License, Public Service Retirement ID, Elders Identity Card, ID Cards provided to clergy, Confirmation letter of NIC information, Temporary ID card issued by the Election Commission for disabled persons, and Temporary ID card issued by the Election Commission for others to cast their vote. 

According to the National Election Commission, all voters have a right to cast their vote for the particular candidate of their choice as President. Voters may mark “X” or “1” against the name of their choice. If a voter marks “X”, no second or third preferences can be marked.

All voters also have a right to cast their second and third preferences for two other candidates of their choice. If voters choose to mark second and/or third preferences. Second and/or third preference may be marked by marking “2” or “3” against the names of those other candidates.

The National Election Commission has requested the public to avoid taking photographs or filming polling-related activities and to refrain from uploading them on social media platforms. 

The public has also been advised to view the results of the 2024 Presidential Election in private, with the Police stating that public screenings have been prohibited in view of possible brawls. (Newswire)

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Transporting of ballot boxes for the 2024 Presidential Election to the respective polling stations has commenced islandwide. 

The ballot boxes are being transported under security provided by the Police and Police Special Task Force personnel.

Police officials have also been stationed at polling stations and counting centres across the island. (Newswire)

Sri Lanka Presidential Election 2204 : Ballot Boxes on the Move pic.twitter.com/0A33VhJJW2

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) September 20, 2024

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• HOW TO VOTE in Sri Lanka Presidential Election

It is mandatory that the voter should carry one of any identity documents i.e National Identity Card (NIC) or documents approved by the Election Commission such as the valid passport, valid driving license, senior citizens identity card, government pensioners’ identity card, identity card issued to clergy, temporary identity card issued by the Election Commission through Grama Niladhari.

It is advisable to carry the official poll card which will be convenient to the voter as well as the poll staff. So, carry it as well.

1. ⁠The first officer examines the identity document and tallies the person’s face with the photograph in the identity document and if he is satisfied about identity, he directs the voter to the second officer.
2. Second officer asks for the official poll card carried by the voter, finds out his/ her name in the electoral register and asks the name of the voter. Then the officer announces the name and the serial number of the voter loudly. If there is no objection, the officer directs the voter to the next officer.
3. Third officer examines the little finger of the left hand of the elector and applies indelible ink round the little finger. If the voter refuses applying indelible ink he/she will not be able to cast a vote. After applying ink, the next officer will issue a ballot paper to the voter.

You have to go to the covered cubicle with the ballot paper and mark the vote to the candidate of your choice.

The voter should properly fold the ballot paper into two or if necessary into four and put it into the ballot box.

On voting:

• All voters have a right to cast their vote for the particular candidate of their choice as President. Voters may mark “X” or “1” against the name of their choice. If a voter marks “X”, no second or third preferences can be marked.

• All voters also have a right to cast their second and third preferences for two other candidates of their choice. If voters choose to mark second and/or third preferences. Second and/or third preference may be marked by marking “2” or “3” against the names of those other candidates.

The post How to vote in Sri Lanka Presidential Election appeared first on Newswire.

The Lawyers’ Collective has reiterated its call on voters to exercise their vote to strengthen democratic governance, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary. 

Issuing a statement, the Lawyers’ Collective has drawn its attention of voters to the following:

On voting:

• All voters have a right to cast their vote for the particular candidate of their choice as President. Voters may mark “X” or “1” against the name of their choice. If a voter marks “X”, no second or third preferences can be marked.
• All voters also have a right to cast their second and third preferences for two other candidates of their choice. If voters choose to mark second and/or third preferences. Second and/or third preference may be marked by marking “2” or “3” against the names of those other candidates.

On counting votes:

• A President may be elected on the first count, if one candidate receives 50% plus one vote of the valid votes cast, that candidate will win the Presidential Election.

OR

• A President may be elected on the second count, if no candidate reaches 50% plus one vote of the valid votes cast, thereafter:
• Except for the first two candidates, all others are eliminated; 
• Of all the eliminated votes, the ballot papers   containing second, or second and third preferences are scrutinized;
• If the second preference is for one of the two top candidates, it is counted as a vote for that candidate. If the second preference is for an eliminated candidate but the third preference is for one of the two top candidates, it is counted as a vote for that top candidate.
• The ultimate winner will be the person who obtains the highest number of votes in the final count. 

The Lawyers’ Collective notes that at an election, which for the first time has witnessed the emergence of more than two candidates as front-runners, voters may consider not only marking “1” on their ballot paper against the candidate of their choice but also marking “2” and “3” for two other candidates of their choice. 

However, the Lawyers’ Collective said the casting of the second and third preferences by voters is not a must, and it is entirely up to the voter to decide whether or not to mark a second or third preference. (Newswire)

The post What will happen if no candidate gets 50% ? appeared first on Newswire.

The National Election Commission has warned against photographing or filming polling stations and marked ballot papers during the 2024 Presidential Election.

Issuing a statement, the Election Commission has requested the public to avoid taking photographs or filming polling-related activities and to refrain from uploading them on social media platforms. 

The Election Commission warned such activities are deemed a violation of election laws. (Newswire)

The post No photographing or filming at polling stations : EC appeared first on Newswire.

The public has been advised to view the results of the 2024 Presidential Election in private, with the Police stating that public screenings have been prohibited.

Addressing a special media briefing today, Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa announced that public screenings of election results have been banned.

He further said that the measure has been taken in order to prevent violence, such as brawls, during public screenings.

DIG Thalduwa advised the public to watch the results of the Presidential Election in private at their homes. (Newswire)

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Minister Jeevan Thondaman has responded to criticism regarding the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) support for Gotabaya Rajapaksa in the 2019 presidential election, explaining the rationale behind their decision. 

Taking to ‘X’, the minister also issued a stark warning against the populist promises of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, labelling him “Promise Premadasa.”

Thondaman’s remarks were aimed at dispelling accusations from the SJB in a national TV programme that the CWC’s backing of Rajapaksa was misguided. He reiterated that, at the time, Rajapaksa’s manifesto appeared to offer the best hope for economic growth and a more manageable tax burden. The CWC, representing a historically marginalised community, was particularly concerned with increasing daily wages to Rs. 1,000—an issue that companies resisted, citing the high tax environment.

“We supported GR’s 2019 manifesto as it was meant to accelerate economic growth and ease the burden on the public, including the tax cuts,” Thondaman wrote, addressing journalist Kusum Wijesinghe who is also a member of the SJB’s Youth Wing. “We believed his victory was the best option to protect the interests of the community.”

However, Minister Thondaman acknowledged that the subsequent economic crisis had been a turning point for his party. “When the economic crisis set in, we realised that populism doesn’t solve people’s problems,” he stated, referring to the broader lesson that social conservatism and exclusivist ideologies could not bring economic stability or progress.

The minister noted that the realisation of these economic missteps had prompted the CWC to re-evaluate their stance and align with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recovery-oriented policies. Under Wickremesinghe’s leadership, the government has focused on fiscal discipline and sustainable economic growth, a direction that Minister Thondaman suggests all political leaders should follow.

“We have realised that populist handouts only result in currency depreciation and inflation—the biggest tax of them all,” Minister Thondaman explained. He pointed to the country’s improving economic situation, highlighting a 0.9% inflation rate, $6 billion in reserves, a nearly 5% growth rate (double the IMF projection), and a reduced debt-to-GDP ratio as evidence of the success of Wickremesinghe’s economic policies.

Minister Thondaman’s most direct criticism was reserved for Sajith Premadasa, as he warned against Premadasa’s promises, suggesting that they would destabilise the country’s fragile recovery. “If Sajith Premadasa realises the dangers of his false, populist promises and admits that the economy is too fragile to play with, then he should withdraw his candidacy,” Thondaman argued. “He needs to back #RecoveryRanil and stop being #PromisePremadasa.”

The CWC’s shift in perspective—from supporting populist policies to embracing economic fundamentals—represents a broader political realignment in Sri Lanka. As the country navigates its economic recovery, Minister Thondaman’s message is clear: only sustainable, long-term strategies can ensure national prosperity. (Newswire)

The post Jeevan wants “Promise Premadasa” to support “Recovery Ranil” appeared first on Newswire.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Kalutara District MP Rajitha Senaratne has revealed a possible alliance between SJB presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa. 

According to MP Senaratne, SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has allegedly assured Namal Rajapaksa of the position of Opposition Leader in exchange for support in the presidential election. 

“The alliance between the Rajapaksas and Sajith is seen as opportunistic and aimed at securing Sajith’s victory in the presidential election, with the intention of appointing Namal as the opposition leader. Allegations have surfaced that Sajith has guaranteed no repercussions for the Rajapaksas in exchange for their support, leading to accusations of deception and dishonesty. 

“Recently, there have been discussions between Mahinda Rajapaksa, Namal Rajapaksa, and Sajith. It is reported that Sajith has pledged his support to help Namal become the opposition leader with the ultimate goal of positioning him as the opposition candidate in the next presidential election within the next five years. The Rajapaksas are currently focused on opposing President Ranil Wickremesinghe and are striving to ensure Sajith’s victory in the presidential election, as part of their political strategy,” he said.

MP Senaratne emphasized that despite any efforts to undermine President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s victory in the upcoming election, the President remains a formidable contender. 

He made the remarks while addressing a press conference at President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s political office in Colombo, recently.

SJB MP Rajitha Senaratne’s full statement : 

It seems that many people believe that the main competition in the upcoming presidential election is between the Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and President Ranil Wickremesinghe. However, it should be noted that the JVP is currently in third place with the fewest number of votes. The JVP doesn’t have much influence in the villages, so it’s important to acknowledge the actual situation on the ground. 

Even though SJB is in second place, it’s still in a relatively weak position. There’s a different narrative circulating on social media today, claiming that the JVP is like a bubble – it may seem inflated, but it’s just full of hot air, essentially an illusion. This illusion will likely dissipate by the morning of September 22. 

Some individuals accuse President Ranil Wickremesinghe of supporting the Rajapaksa family despite his efforts to build the country’s economy. There were even rumours at the time about “Ranil Rajapaksa.” If President Ranil Wickremesinghe had indeed shielded the Rajapaksas, would they be opposing the President now? It’s a fact that the Rajapaksas have joined forces with Sajith, forming an unlikely alliance. That’s the reality of the situation.

Some people have accused President Ranil Wickremesinghe of favouring the Rajapaksa family despite his contributions to the country’s economy. It has been suggested that Ranil has protected the Rajapaksas, raising questions about their current actions against the President. 

The alliance between the Rajapaksas and Sajith is seen as opportunistic and aimed at securing Sajith’s victory in the presidential election, with the intention of appointing Namal as the opposition leader. Allegations have surfaced that Sajith has guaranteed no repercussions for the Rajapaksas in exchange for their support, leading to accusations of deception and dishonesty. 

Recently, there have been discussions between Mahinda Rajapaksa, Namal Rajapaksa, and Sajith. It is reported that Sajith has pledged his support to help Namal become the opposition leader with the ultimate goal of positioning him as the opposition candidate in the next presidential election within the next five years. The Rajapaksas are currently focused on opposing President Ranil Wickremesinghe and are striving to ensure Sajith’s victory in the presidential election, as part of their political strategy. (Newswire)

The post Rajitha reveals possible alliance between Sajith & Namal appeared first on Newswire.

National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake has sympathized with former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, stating that he was used as a scapegoat for Sri Lanka’s Economic crisis. 

Addressing an election rally, the NPP MP said President Ranil Wickremesinghe had orchestrated the crisis, but former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to face the consequences of the issue. 

“Ranil Wickremesinghe was one of the main reasons for the shortage of fuel, gas and essential items. But eventually, Gotabaya had to take the blame. If you put aside the ignorant mistakes made by Gotabaya, it is clear that the economy was destroyed by Ranil and his camp. Ranil created the crisis, but Gotabaya had to face the consequences. At times I feel sorry for Gotabaya,” he said. 

MP Dissanayake pointed out that once Gotabaya Rajapaksa was removed, Ranil Wickremesinghe took over and halted loan repayments. 

“He said the loans will not be repaid, resulting in the saving of Dollars. Using these remaining dollars he proceeded to provide, fuel and gas. He claims that none of this would have been possible if not for him. I would say if he wasn’t here, a crisis would have never occurred,” the NPP Leader said. 

Stating that Ranil Wickremesinghe is urging to hand over the nation to him once again, MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake advised the President to step aside after all that they have done for the nation in the recent past, and that the NPP will build the country.

MP Dissanayake further expressed confidence that the public will send these people away through the decisions made at the upcoming Presidential Polls. (Newswire)

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