Namal says MR will not lead SLFP will continue to head SLPP

• PM has made the SLPP the strongest political party 
• Denies claims by senior SLFPer

By JAMILA HUSAIN  

Former Parliamentarian, Namal Rajapaksa yesterday denied claims by a senior SLFP member that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will be made leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) after the General Election, replacing Maithripala Sirisena.  

“There are no moves to make Prime Minister Rajapaksa the SLFP leader. He will continue to lead the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and will continue to develop the party,” Namal told Daily Mirror. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Rajapaksa, the SLPP has become the strongest political party in Sri Lanka within a span of just a few years. He will continue to lead the party with progressive policies for a better future for the country,” he added. 

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said yesterday that the Prime Minister is expected to assume the role of the SLFP Leader after the general election in the wake of its current leader, Maithripala Sirisena being expected to step down from the post after the polls.   

He told party supporters at a pocket meeting in Angunakolapelessa that the suitability of Prime Minister Rajapaksa was undisputed and that he was the most eligible politician to be the SLFP leader to revive it into a strong 
political party.