The United National Party (UNP) has alleged that Faizer Mustapha has “stolen” the National List MP position, similar to the earlier controversy involving Ravi Karunanayake. The accusation follows the nomination of Musthapha by Sharmila Perera, Secretary of the New Democratic Front (NDF), despite party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe nominating Kanchana Wijesekera for the same position.
According to sources, Wickremesinghe, acting on requests from several partner parties and the SLPP, nominated Wijesekera as the National List MP earlier today (10). This nomination was communicated to the Speaker and forwarded to Perera. However, Perera is reported to have secretly nominated Mustapha instead and submitted the letter to the Election Commission.
Separately, Nimal Lansa’s new alliance, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), and the Podujana Eksath Peramuna (SLPP) have reportedly made written requests to Wickremesinghe, urging him to grant the National List seat to Mustapha. These requests bore the signatures of Nimal Lansa, Duminda Dissanayake, and Lasantha Alagiyawanna.
The UNP, in a special statement, condemned the actions as a violation of trust and termed it “political theft.” UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena emphasized that National List MP positions should be filled with the consensus of the NDF’s partner party leaders. He criticized Perera for overstepping her authority by making unilateral decisions.
The statement clarified that decisions regarding National List MP positions are made collectively by NDF partner party leaders. The Secretary of the NDF does not have the authority to make such appointments. and Perera’s actions are a breach of trust and contrary to the agreements made when contesting under the gas cylinder symbol.
A committee is currently reviewing Ravi Karunanayake’s appointment, with further action expected after the report’s release. The UNP plans to consult with NDF partner parties to determine the appropriate course of action regarding Mustapha’s appointment.
