CBK urges people to vote for Presidential candidate based on policies

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga today (Nov 5), urged the public to vote for a presidential candidate based on policies and not on the individual.

“Our decision should be taken by thinking deeply based on policies, and the suitable candidate to implement them,” the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) patron and Api Sri Lanka party leader said.

She made these remarks at the party’s convention at the Sugathadasa stadium in Colombo, after pledging support to New Democratic Front candidate Sajith Premadasa, last week.

“I believe in alliances,” Kumaratunga noted, opining that they were required to develop the country.

The former President criticised the  decision to support Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

“Our party has not legally taken the decision to join the SLPP” she said in a hard-hitting address, reiterating that the decision had been taken despite several party members disagreeing with the move.

The SLFP Patron pointed out that she cannot be sacked from the party legally owing to her decision to support Premadasa, and that it would take time to do so in line with the party’s constitution.

“If it doesn’t take place that way, we can move court and revoke that decision,” she said.

During her address, the SLFP patron refuted claims that the party was weakened and defeated at the last provincial council election after joining the United National Party to form the unity government in 2015.

“It is utterly false,” she emphasized, while accusing former SLFP leader turned SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa for destroying the SLFP.

The Api Sri Lanka party leader commended NDF candidate Premadasa’s manifesto, describing it as a “very successful one” which focuses on important aspects such as Health and Education.

“However, I can’t give an assurance (that it would be implemented),” she stated. “This candidate (Sajith Premadasa), we believe can add the finishing touches to the development activities of the current government."

Kumaratunga called on Premadasa to fulfill his promise of setting-up national councils for each sector to obtain opinions of the public and experts, if voted into power, failing which, she said she would "fight towards achieving it".

(Pics by Ishanka Sunimal)