A serious crisis has arisen within the New Democratic Front (NDF) following the nomination of Ravi Karunanayake as the party’s National List MP by its secretary, Sharmila Perera.
Sources reveal that alliance parties were scheduled to meet today to discuss the allocation of two National List seats under the Gas Cylinder symbol, contested by Ranil Wickremesinghe. However, Ravi Karunanayake secretly submitted his name to the Election Commission through the party secretary, bypassing prior discussions and agreements.
Former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, whose name was listed as the first choice for a National List seat, faced no opposition within the party. However, with only one seat remaining, Karunanayake’s bid for the second spot has caused significant discord.
Party leaders have reportedly not agreed to Karunanayake’s request for the seat. Despite this, he allegedly collaborated with Sharmila Perera to forward his name unilaterally, prompting backlash within the party.
The party leaders of the New Democratic Front have called on leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to initiate a disciplinary investigation into what they describe as an unethical act.
In a related development, National Unity Alliance leader Azath Sali has written to the Chairman of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka. He requested the rejection of Karunanayake’s nomination, arguing that it was submitted without stakeholder agreement. Sali further labeled Karunanayake as a corrupt individual unfit for a National List MP position.
