• Questions as to why the SJB has come up with two manifestos

By Yohan Perera   

In response to an allegation that he does not have a sound team to back him, independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe said a Presidential election is all about electing a person to lead the nation.   

“You don’t elect teams in a presidential election. One can choose a good team at the general election. Send in a good team to Parliament at the general election, Mr. Wickremesinghe told a rally at Mathugama yesterday.   

“A President only has to appoint the person who commands a majority in Parliament as the Prime Minister. Then he has to select the cabinet together with the Prime Minister,” he said.   
“I will bring those who are engaged in corruption before the law under a future government if I am elected as the President,” he added.   

Also he questioned as to why the SJB has come up with two manifestos.”One SJB manifesto is called Win for everyone and the other Blueprint 2. Win for everyone comprises plans to develop the tourism sector but Blueprint 2 does not say anything about tourism. Why is this?” he questioned.