CBK laments SLFP's failure to field own Presidential candidate

Former Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) leader Chandrika Kumaratunga, has lamented over the party’s failure to field its own candidate for the presidential election.

Issuing a statement, the former President pointed out that the SLFP had nominated its own candidate at all presidential elections while securing direct wins in four out of seven elections.

Her statement comes in the wake of the SLFP's decision to support Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

“…the leader (Maithripala Sirisena) who secured the mandate of 6.2 million people (in 2015) has betrayed the party to the conspiracists,” she said, urging party supporters to “think wisely” while casting their vote at the upcoming presidential election.

She pointed out that certain individuals have betrayed the party for personal gains despite 95 percent of the party’s electoral organisers expressing disagreement towards joining the SLPP.

“The SLFP is not a party of fraudsters, murderers, and conspirarists,” she remarked. “The SLFP has been in power more than any other party by ensuring democracy, freedom, and equality.”

"We have produced Prime Ministers, Presidents and even public leaders," Ms Kumaratunga observed.

The former SLFP leader said she “silently mourns” the current plight of the party, which had been strengthened due to the commitment of those at the top to the grassroots of the party, throughout its past.

However, she stressed that she would continue to support the SLFP in its efforts to protect the party and its policies, in future.