News
Candidates form alliances ahead of final campaign lap
View(s):By Kasun Warakapitiya
Parties are increasing their political engagements as nomination day (August 15) nears.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe who is contesting as an independent, attended many events and engagements this week.
He also met the heads of media on Wednesday at Cinnamon Grand and had a meeting with members of the Cooperative Society at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Center.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressing a meeting in Malwana
He addressed a women’s conference ‘Kantha Ape Balaya’, on Fridaywhere he called on all women to work together to create a strong economy for future generations.
Mr Wickremesinghe said he was asked why he became a non-partisan candidate.
“The truth is that hunger is not political. Regardless of party affiliation, everyone experiences hunger. Therefore, we must set aside our political differences and unite to address the needs of our people.”
Mahindananda Aluthgamage, a campaign organiser for Mr Wickremesinghe, said the structure of the campaign has been set. “We will create a broad alliance on August 16 with the support of most parties.’’ The first rally will be held in Anuradhapura on August 17.
Namal Rajapaksa greets those present after he was named the SLPP presidential candidate
The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) signed an agreement with the faction of the SLFP supporting SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara on Wednesday before launching an alliance on Thursday.
SJB national organiser Tissa Attanayake told the Sunday Times that the official election campaign will begin on August 16 with a rally in Kurunegala. The campaign will be as a seven-party alliance Samagi Jana Sandanaya.
Grass roots supporters are engaged in party- strengthening activities, he said. “We plan to have around 100 main rallies with the participation of Sajith Premadasa.’’
Among those who signed the agreement were Rauff Hakeem, Mano Ganesan, Palani Digambaram, V.S Radhakrishnan, G.L Peiris, Dullus Allahapperuma, Dayasiri Jayasekara, and Arjuna Ranatunga.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Maithree Wickramasinghe at the ‘Kantha Ape Balaya’ meeting
Addressing the event, Sajith Premadasa congratulated the groups that joined his alliance. He said that they became a part of the alliance keeping aside personal interests and selfishness. “They came with country first or Sri Lanka first ideology, this is only the first step of the work plan to develop and rebuild the country.’’
He said that under his governance he would not only take legal actions against those responsible for the economic crisis, but would reclaim each dollar lost to the country and use it for the betterment of the people.
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) announced its presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa at a small event held at Nelum Mawatha Battaramulla, party head office.
Sajith Premadasa and wife Jalani at the launch of the alliance at the Sugathadasa stadium on Thursday. Pix by Akila Jayawardena and Priyanka Samaraweera
On Tuesday, businessman Dammika Perera had said he would not contest.
SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said several aspects had been considered in naming the presidential candidate. He said campaign programmes are scheduled to begin after nomination day on August 15.
Meetings are being held among supportive parties and finalising meetings to strengthen ground level support, he said.
“Our campaign would officially start after nominations. We have arranged to have some religious programmes ahead of our campaign activities,’’ he said.
He said there is ground level support despite the exit of some key members and that 12,000 pocket meetings have been arranged in Grama Sewaka areas excluding the North and East.
A peck on the cheek from wife Anoma after Sarath Fonseka announced his candidature for the election
Meetings will be held in electorates and 22 rallies will be held in districts. Namal Rajapaksa and party leader Mahinda Rajapaksa will speak.
The National People’s power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressing the Muslim community of Biyagama, Malwana urged them to vote for the NPP at the presidential election and if they want to vote for the SLMC to do so in the general election.
“Today politics has fallen to the point where politicians jump from here to there for benefits such as money, ministerial posts. This politics should end,’’ he said.
A spokesman for the NPP said campaigns will begin with three rallies at Tangalle, Matara and Galle, where Mr Dissanayake will speak.
Simultaneously, the party’s women and youth organisations will hold small meetings.
The NPP has scheduled its digital summit in Colombo on Tuesday, August 13.
Wijeyadasa Rajapkshe, who is contesting under the National Democratic Front, said he has visited 12 districts since starting his campaign on August 1.
His campaign is focusing on attracting the youth. He aims to have 160 rallies in 22 electoral districts. He has also planned several conventions in Ampara, Mullaitivu and Jaffna.
According to Mr Rajapakshe, he is receiving good ground level support, yet he believes that some groups do not have a clear idea about the candidates. He plans to launch his manifesto on August 18.
Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka withdrew from the SJB membership and chairman’s post and also announced that he would be coming forward as an independent candidate.
Meanwhile Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake said voter education is essential on rights, responsibilities, and how to properly cast a vote.
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