Presidential elections 2024: Patali keeps all options open

Colombo, July 31 (Daily Mirror) - The leader of the United Republic Front, MP Patali Champika Ranawaka, said he is keeping all options open with regard to the presidential election and is also ready to contest for the presidency if his party members want him to.

“Our earlier stand was that we would not support anyone who allied with the Rajapaksas. However, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has made a good decision to field its own candidate. The Supreme Court has named former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya Ralapaksa and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa as those who are responsible for the economic crisis. Therefore, the people now have the opportunity to respond to these people at the presidential poll. Also, the SLPP is used as a personal property of the Rajapaksa family. We are ready to have a dialogue with the SLPP members if they keep away from the Rajapaks,” MP Ranawaka said.

“We are not happy with the way President Ranil Wickremesinghe has dealt with the issue pertaining to the IGP. However, we are willing to talk with SLPP members who are against fielding a candidate from their party. We are also conferring with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) as well. At the same time, I am ready to contest the presidency if my party and the allies want me to do so,” he added.

The MP said a final decision will be taken in the coming days.