• Emphasises importance of public debates to help citizens make decisions by understanding candidates’ visions, policies, and action plans

SLPP Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa has officially  accepted the invitation extended by the Daily Mirror and Lankadeepa for a  live presidential debate with the main contenders ahead of the  Presidential Election on September 21.  

In a letter addressed to the Editor-in-Chief of Daily  Mirror, Jamila Husain, Namal expressed his willingness to participate in  the debate with leading contenders namely, Sajith Premadasa, Anura  Kumara Dissanayake and Ranil Wickremesinghe.  

Rajapaksa in the letter highlighted the importance of organising a debate of this nature.  

“It is high time that we inculcate this practice of public  debate among the main candidates so that the citizens are given an  opportunity to comparatively understand each candidate’s vision,  policies and action plans. It will help the citizens to make an informed  decision in the upcoming election,” Namal mentioned.  

The Daily Mirror and Lankadeepa on Sunday called upon the  main presidential candidates Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa,  Namal Rajapaksa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake for a live presidential  debate, hosted by the Daily Mirror and Lankadeepa.  

Further details such as the debate time, date and venue will be announced in due course.  

The Daily Mirror and Lankadeepa encourage all the leading  presidential candidates to accept and participate in this live debate to  ensure that the voters have the opportunity to hear about their  policies and realistic visions in taking the country ahead in the event  they win the Presidential poll.