No intention to support any presidential candidate: Mahesh Senanayake

While categorically refuting comments made by certain parties that National People’s Party (NPP) presidential candidate former Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake has decided to step down from his candidacy in support of another presidential candidate, the NPP said there had no decision of such nature to support any allegedly preferred candidate whosoever.

Issuing a special media announcement, it affirmed that Mr. Senanayake had no intention whatsoever to do so in the future.

“It is clearly evident that some elements are continuously attempting to disrupt the political campaign of Mr. Senanayake by using deceptive and shameless tactics such as adopting the title National Peoples Movement, mimicking policy stands, slogans etc.,” the NPP said.

NPP condemned those amateurish and dubious attempts with disdain.

“We request all progressive voters and citizens to support Mr. Senanayke who is currently the frontrunner among all apolitical and independent presidential candidates in order to rid the country from 71 years of political ruin, usher in a new political culture and implement a development agenda meeting the aspirations of people,” the NPP added.

However, JVP propaganda secretary Vijitha Herath said yesterday they were hopeful of several presidential candidates including Mahesh Senanayake would extend their support to the National Peoples Power (NPP) candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

He told a news conference that a discussion was in progress with those candidates in a bid to obtain their support.

He added Mr. Senanayake's policy was to fight against the current political culture and that NPP was totally agreeable to his policy. (Sheain Fernandopulle)