Only 16 Members of Parliament representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) attended the Politburo meeting chaired by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on July 29, party sources revealed. The proposal to field a candidate from the SLPP for the 2024 Presidential election was presented to the Politburo by Party Secretary MP Sagara Kariyawasam.
Out of the 16 MPs who participated, 11 voted against the proposal. Among those who opposed it were Prasanna Ranatunga, S.B. Dissanayake, Bandula Gunawardena, and Janaka Bandara Tennakon.
Sources further indicated that the majority of attendees at the meeting were brought in from various organizations, rather than being regular members of the SLPP. Notably, the daughter of the former chairperson of Mahara Pradeshiya Sabha, who is not a member of the SLPP Politburo, was also present at the meeting.
The name of Mr. Dhammika Perera, a potential presidential candidate, was not mentioned during the Politburo meeting.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that the decision made by the party is final and that all members are expected to adhere to it.
