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Stripped of old guard, Gampaha battleground ripe for the picking
View(s):By Kasun Warakapitiya
The Gampaha District was a former stronghold of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) during the last general elections, has undergone significant changes since then. Some key candidates have dropped out, while others have crossed over to other parties to contest.
SJB: Harshana Rajakaruna
The district which consists of 13 electorates has more than 1.8 million voters, the highest number in any electoral district. A total of 19 parliamentarians are to be elected from Gampaha.
Former SLPP legislators such as Prasanna Ranatunga, Sisira Jayakodi and Nalaka Godahewa have dropped out of the general elections as well.
UDV: Ranjan Ramanayake
Meanwhile, former state minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Nalin Feranando, Kokila Gunawardena and Nimal Lanza who were elected under the SLPP banner are contesting the parliamentary elections under the New Democratic Front (NDF).
Former state minister of primary health, Sudharshani Fernandopulle who had crossed over to Samagi Jana Balawegya (SJB) is on the party national list.
SJB candidate Ajith Mannappreuma has posted a newspaper advertisement requesting voters not to vote for him. Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka who contested the presidential election is also not contesting.
NPP: Mahinda Jayasinghe
Former MP and actor-turned-politician Ranjan Ramanayake who had earlier contested parliamentary elections under the SJB, is now leading the newly-launched United Democratic Voice (UDV).
Most campaign offices in the district are of the National People’s Power (NPP). Few others have offices. The SJB has offices mostly in abandoned lands or shops that are closed.
Voters the Sunday Times spoke to said that although campaigns are low-key, the Gampaha District, which has the highest number of voters and parliamentary seats, would play a crucial role.
Many voters appear undecided as prominent candidates are being fielded.
Some are concerned about unfamiliar faces, pointing to the large number of newcomers in the NPP list, but intend to vote NPP, because the ‘experienced politicians’ have “ruined the country’’. Others are yet to make up their minds. 
Kiribathgoda resident, S. Indumini said that she only knows Vijitha Herath and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) affiliated teacher union leader Mahinda Jayasinghe who are contesting from the NPP in the Gampaha District. She would not vote for the NPP as she was not familiar with many of the candidates, she said.
Ms Indumini said youth appear to be interested in voting for Ranjan Ramanayake’s party due to his anti-corruption stance.
A three-wheeler driver who spoke on grounds of anonymity said that he was a strong supporter of Prasanna Ranaweera of the Podu Jana Peramuna, but that he intends to vote for the Sarwajana Balaya, whose meetings he has attended.
NPP candidate Mahinda Jayasinghe said that 22 NPP candidates are vying for the 19 seats in Parliament and aims to win at least 15.
The NPP team led by Minister Herath has two professors, six teachers, an economist, two doctoral degree holders, a medical doctor, surveyor, and two businessmen.
Mr Jayasinghe said the NPP has completed 90% of its campaign. House-to-house campaigns, and indoor and pocket meetings will be completed by today. A final rally will be held tomorrow, Monday at the Gampaha Municipal Council grounds.
He said the party has “uncorrupted, fresh and educated candidates”, who plan to implement the presidential election manifesto.
As for the NDF (gas cylinder), it has 22 candidates in the Gampaha District.
Ruwan Wijewardene, former state minister of defence leads the team and is contesting from Biyagama.
NDF candidate Nimal Lanza claims that the NPP has lost momentum.
He said the NPP was unable to fulfil the promises made in the 46-days they have been in power. The government needs to work with the IMF and cannot deviate from the programme, he argued.
“We are not aiming to become the government. We plan to obtain five seats and become the main opposition and urge the government to make the promises they made a reality,” he said.
The SJB’s Gampaha District leader Harshana Rajakaruna said he is working to win the majority of seats.
He has confidence in the candidates who are known to voters, unlike those of the NPP. He does not consider Ranjan Ramanayake’s party a threat and claimed that Mr Ramanayake would have reached more people under the SJB.
UDV leader Mr Ramanayake told the Sunday Times that he relies on digital media campaigns, and commercials as his party is contesting only in nine districts.
Although he is contesting in Gampaha, he attends meetings in other districts as party leader, he said.
“The Gampaha district team is campaigning, while I am busy with the overall campaign. We did not have a lot of meetings, but we are confident that we can do a good campaign and obtain more votes,’’ he said. He does not view other parties as a challenge.
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