Namal Rajapaksa named as SLPP presidential candidate

MP Namal Rajapaksa has been named as the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Presidential candidate for the upcoming election.

The announcement was made by SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam after religious ceremonies were held at the SLPP headquarters in Battaramulla.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa were among those present. Among other MPs present were Jhonston Fernando, Gamini Lokuge  and Sanjeewa Edirimanna.

Mr Kariyawasam said that they had taken into consideration several aspects in naming the Presidential candidate. He said among them was that the candidate should respect local culture and that it should be a new leader.

The SLPP General Secretary further explained that the decision was taken to select the candidate and name him presidential candidate with the expectation that he would claim victory in the upcoming election and would protect the motherland as well as ensure the wellbeing of the general public.  

Some of the other aspects which they considered were that the candidate would acknowledge and respect the local cultural values through his work while attracting the entire Sri Lankan people’s support. In addition the candidate should have fresh leadership qualities.

“The SLPP candidate should be a capable person who has a good idea about the prevailing socio, economic and political situation and should face the obstacles faced by the country and fulfill common national aspirations”, he said.

According to Mr Kariyawasam the candidate should follow the basic standards of Mahinda Chinthana national leadership and protect the national assets and the identity of the country while being a new leader who would create a developed national economy with a futuristic vision. 

pix by Akila Jayawardena