Majority of parliamentarians to pledge support for President in Election: Education Minister

Colombo, August 1 (Daily Mirror) - The majority of the parliamentarians, including various political groups and parties, will pledge their support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the next few days for the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election.

Addressing the media after signing an agreement to resume the 'Suraksha' student insurance scheme with the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation at the Ministry, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha announced that over 115 parliamentarians from various political groups will support the President in the upcoming Presidential Election.

"The President has placed his deposit to contest the 2024 Presidential Election as an independent candidate. After the nominations are submitted, the marks will be received. Regardless of political party affiliations, we maintain good conduct. We did the same in the 2005 election and in various previous elections," Minister Premajayantha said.

He stressed on the importance of politicians understanding public issues and having a clear vision. "Politicians should be intelligent enough to grasp the issues of the general public and must have a clear vision. People's thinking, expectations, and estimations have changed significantly, especially after the 'Aragalaya' movement. This year, people have moved away from traditional ways of thinking," he said.

The minister also highlighted the necessity of the current President's measures to maintain democratic processes. "Everyone must remember that no one would be able to participate in a democratic election if the current President had not taken measures as the Prime Minister to save the Parliament with the help of security forces," he said.

"Leadership is not just about ruling a country peacefully but also about accepting challenges in a crisis and resolving them," the minister added.