Presidential Elections: three-pronged battle takes shape

19 January 2024 08:33 am - 50 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, Jan 19 (Daily Mirror) - In anticipation of the upcoming Presidential Elections scheduled towards the end of the year, the political arena is witnessing a flurry of activities as various parties and groups strategically position themselves for the impending electoral contest.

The National People’s Power (NPP), led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), has taken an early plunge into the electoral fray by announcing Anura Kumara Dissanayake as its presidential candidate and conducting countrywide rallies. Sajith Premadasa, the Opposition Leader, is widely expected to lead the charge for his Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

The United National Party (UNP) has thrown its hat into the ring by nominating its leader, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as the presidential candidate. With this development, the political landscape is shaping up for a three-pronged contest.

It is not yet clear whether the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) led by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will field its own candidate or back President Wickremesinghe who is in alliance with the party in the government.

The NPP is going around the country with major election rallies. They have started the campaign earlier than others and even created a kind of a momentum triggering doubts whether they will be able to sustain it in the long run. The proclamation announcing the presidential election has to be issued only in the middle of September 2024 in accordance with the constitutional provisions.

It means there are eight more months for the election. As such, the political parties have swiftly launched into action. The SLPP, as a party, slipped out of the public eye in politics in the face of severe economic woos that even led to the untimely of resignation Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa from office. Recently, the party conducted a workshop for its activists primarily to educate them on how to counter allegations against it over the present economic predicament of the country. The workshop was organized with the involvement of MP Namal Rajapaksa. It is a strategy to position the party well ahead of the elections and strengthen the rank and file ideologically – albeit challenging it be.

Next, the party is planning to educate its leaders at the local level. The party is not prepared to initiate a fully-fledged election campaign at the moment, since it is impractical to sustain such a movement for eight months. It has not yet declared its presidential candidate, though. However, political indications lead to the conclusion that it will back President Wickremesinghe.

Besides, the political group led by MP Anura Priyadharshana Yapa will launch its electoral addresses on January 27 in Ja-Ela, Gampaha. That is to galvanize the electoral support of people for the possible candidacy of President Wickremesinghe. The group is also planning to form an alliance ahead of the elections. As the political chessboard continues to evolve, these early moves and strategic alignments set the stage for a gripping presidential contest in the months to come.

Comments - 50

Maran Friday, 19 January 2024 09:08 AM

What ever efforts taken by political parties, finally MODA MINISU will become slave to a bottle of arrack given by Master Robber.

Socrates Friday, 19 January 2024 10:11 AM

You are absolutely right! People never seem to learn from past experience.

Better Stay Laid Back Friday, 19 January 2024 10:58 AM

Feel these idiots want SL to stay laid back

Nadarajah Friday, 19 January 2024 09:13 AM

I am not interested in politics but ground situation and common sense indicates Anura Kumara has a very good chance of winning the rural and urban votes as the people have realised that corruption by the UNP, SLPP and SLFP has ruined this country this is the core issue that need to be addressed

Jagath Ekanaya Friday, 19 January 2024 09:15 AM

Victory to NPP., the other parties can watch and learn.

SenPera Friday, 19 January 2024 11:04 AM

Victory to the NPP is the death to the country. Anura is Gota II. Hello fuel queues and power cuts again in 2025!

Chance Friday, 19 January 2024 01:56 PM

Really once people should give chance to young and enthusiastic AKD rather than supporting others because they are all power hunger and corrupted politicians or supporting to corruption So please give chance to AKD to eradicate corruption

True Grit Friday, 19 January 2024 04:22 PM

RW is the best candidate who could steer the country out of this mess. If you vote for NPP or SJB, there will be another aragalaya within 6 months.

Bon Friday, 19 January 2024 04:30 PM

This is not a time to do any experiments like people did with Gota. Stick to the man steering the ship now. Though, not 100%, he has done a good job so far.

Andy Friday, 19 January 2024 04:43 PM

Victory for RW, Mr. Fearless. NPP

Ranjith Friday, 19 January 2024 09:17 AM

Its a time for pocket meetings Sajith has been having pocket meetings for sometime that's way to move forward, same in US Democrats and Republicans are in the process of selecting their candidate. Let's hope Srilankan's will elect a experience, middle aged and least corrupt with no Criminal record as there President ,most importantly with the best team of advisors and Parliament members to back him.

Navin Friday, 19 January 2024 09:18 AM

JVP is our only hope for the sake of our children.

citizen Friday, 19 January 2024 04:19 PM

Very true Navin,campaign what ever the way you can to get them to power since this will be not an election rather a battle between corrupt and un corrupt.

Rohan Friday, 19 January 2024 09:19 AM

I hate politics and never vote, but this time I will vote for NPP.

Nilmini Welivita Friday, 19 January 2024 09:22 AM

Let's make the country great again, vote for Hon. Rajapaksas

Neil Saturday, 20 January 2024 01:41 AM

You must be an offspring of Rajapaksa

Wiseman Friday, 19 January 2024 09:33 AM

Time to give NPP a chance to prove themselves

Patriot Friday, 19 January 2024 09:40 AM

JVP might not contest this time as well since if they do no candidate will get more than 50%. They will go for a common candidate together with SJB.

Shantha Friday, 19 January 2024 09:41 AM

The JVP has a great chance because of pottuwa fellows messed up everything. People have decided to vote for JVP since there are going to try a honest leader

Gabriella Friday, 19 January 2024 10:08 AM

Don’t make me laugh !!! Honesty through lack of opportunity ( at the moment). But at least he ( Anura) rescued the country from the Western imperialist and colonialist. Yes, we should vote for him.

Dee Friday, 19 January 2024 09:43 AM

Our parents may not live to see the destruction which they experienced in early seventies and late eighties. Unfortunately we would experience it for the second time. Hopefully children will not decide on coming back to Sri Lanka.

Rajapaksas senile fan Friday, 19 January 2024 11:00 AM

Are suffering from dementia or some neurological disease? Or are you from the presidents media unit? Actually you could be both.

Dee Friday, 19 January 2024 01:13 PM

@ Rajapakses Senile fan. Seems like you are one of those generation born after 1995. I remember too well- that’s why the sound of JVP should give the shivers to anyone who does NOT have dementia! If you have a parent- ask them. If you are one of those JVP fans residing overseas! Don’t ruin our country further like you guys did in November 2019. (Came in plane loads to support gotta!) now trying to support terrorists!

Sam Silva Friday, 19 January 2024 07:20 PM

@ Rajapaksa Yes. What Dee has commented of your post is very true. In otherwords whoever who did not experience the jvp in the past, they will support this terror group including certain expats. Not to mention if you're a active supporter of this group who has the same mentality. Perhaps your wish would come true and then it's too late to regret.

Cherath Saturday, 20 January 2024 06:08 PM

Please take those blinkers off and try to understand reality. I am one of those who was 'inconvenienced' in 1971 and 1988 and know of my family members' graves and scars to prove it. The 60,000 youngsters were not killed in 88 by the JVP as has been chronicalised for decades. It was the Premadasa/Wijeratne UNP, who used mercenary death squads with pseudo names: Yellow tigers, Black tigers, Praa, Naxalites . So if you want to warn people about impending mass killings warn them against the UNP.

Nimal Friday, 19 January 2024 09:43 AM

Let's ALL unite and give AKD a chance. Even though he may not meet all our expectations it is time we changed the landscape. Time after time we have given all the other HORU FAMILIES a go and look where it got us. Let's make a new start this time.

Jude Friday, 19 January 2024 09:45 AM

I've utmost confidence that AKD lead NPP will triumphant in the upcoming elections!! The voters are patiently waiting to create history and 75 years of struggle by lankans gonna come to an end with NPP forming the next government. More than anything else NPP gonna eliminate government corruption thus saving multibillion rupees and that's the beginning of New era of Lankan politics!!

Aviator Friday, 19 January 2024 09:56 AM

RW will not hold a presidential election. Honestly, do people think Ranil will sit back and watch to lose the election and allow NPP to win? He is crafty. He will never allow the Rajapakses and himself to end up in jail. He will do whatever it takes. He did it for the LG elections and he will do it again.

Jude Friday, 19 January 2024 10:01 AM

In North America and Europe there's a huge problem of inflation. Now this inflation created by supermarkets, manufacturers and suppliers. It's Known as "GREEDFLATION" !!! THERE'S APPARENTLY NO REASON FOR HIKING THE PRICES!! Capitalism doesn't mean ripping off customers. THIS IS TEXTBOOK Collusion and gouging !! The governments very slow to rectify the situation. Now experts are suggesting Socialism style "Price Controlling" in USA and In England to Over come this Situation!! As Sri Lankans we on the right track with රතු සහෝදරයන් taking in charge of Lankan economy soon!!

Mayadunne Senaka Friday, 19 January 2024 10:01 AM

The fight will be between NPP and SJB. I doubt whether RW will finally contest. However, in current circumstances, NPP seems to be leading the race. Combating corruption and establishing good governance will be the main concerns this time. It's highly likely that the Pohottuwa will be reduced to ashes in the coming national elections.

Pullma Dingalinga Friday, 19 January 2024 10:05 AM

A sarong Johnny (Anura), a spineless Ponya ( Sajith), and a brain dead Sadist ( Ranil). God bless Sri Lanka !

Nimal Friday, 19 January 2024 10:31 AM

Even as it is, the outcome of the presidential elections is all too clear, if at all it would be held. Moreover, as I am from the deep south I have prepared myself to meet the henchmen of Namal if they visit our house.

Inshi Friday, 19 January 2024 10:36 AM

I don't think anyone cares as they are or will be the beneficiaries of the state. Who will want to miss out on those perks? Ultimately it is the people who have to bear the brunt of every foolish decision the leaders make as they are the elected representatives. People have to use their heads and vote wisely.

Vive James Friday, 19 January 2024 11:02 AM

It will remain forever as a Bankrupt Nation. We have missed the last bus. Irreparable

Jerome Friday, 19 January 2024 11:37 AM

#NPP the only way forward.

Volker Metzger Friday, 19 January 2024 12:00 PM

Anura Kumara has so far said nothing about his political programs and concepts for promoting and stabilizing the economy, eliminating corruption and permanently debt relief for the country!!! He will only be able to start and implement his new beginning with convincing policies and stable majorities, and that means with reliable allies (coalitions), selected good ministers and high-quality advisors! But the overarching question is whether he has the stature and leadership skills to be president!??? And this is precisely where the greatest doubts arise!!! With Premadasa the question is easy to answer, he doesn't have it!!! With Wickremesigne the question answers itself through the disastrous results of his policies, which have not alleviated the hardships and suffering of the people, but have massively increased them!!! At this point in time, the all-important question remains: who should lead Sri Lanka into the future as a strong president with new, socially just policies!!!???

Man Friday, 19 January 2024 12:30 PM

NPP is also a party that ruled SL and cannot shed off it, as they had been ministers under Chandrika and failed and nothing has been done. Hepled to bring Mahinda, too. They collects funds to accumulate their wealth and nothing has been done to the downtrodden unlike another, while being in the opposition. That is the vital gauge.

Waco Friday, 19 January 2024 01:03 PM

Anura Kumara is the only choice. Do not allow any of the CurrentMinisters to leave the country.

Quest Friday, 19 January 2024 04:45 PM

Las time the only choice was Gota! Our guys never learn.

Waco Friday, 19 January 2024 01:32 PM

Sajith must give way to Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka. Sajith is definitely going to be a looser as the Presidential Candidate.

Chandasena Friday, 19 January 2024 02:03 PM

If AKD is elected it will be the 2nd and final episode of Dooms day of Sri lanka and also most dangerous episode of the country's failed history. Look at Gota and make your choice my friends. We expected a lion out of him but sadly he proved to be a donkey

C.K.Lankaputhra Friday, 19 January 2024 04:23 PM

Three cheers to AKD. Hipip hooray, hipip hooray. hipip hooray.

Ranjith Friday, 19 January 2024 06:26 PM

If we really look at it, it's a two pronged battle how can voters ever think of voting for a day light Central bank robber, who robbed the Central bank of Srilanka. You cannot just forget that robbery.

Volker Metzger Friday, 19 January 2024 06:43 PM

Waco's comment about Fonseka must be agreed! The only one who has already proven his outstanding abilities, under the extreme conditions of a war and to save Sri Lanka, is Sarath Fonseka!!! The necessary basic skills, character traits and intellectual competencies are also fully suitable for political leadership of a country!!! The three candidates mentioned so far do not in any way meet the requirements that must be met by the president and a forward-looking policy!!!

Mohamed Burhan Friday, 19 January 2024 07:32 PM

The reality will happen .NPP will join with SJB.alone NPP cannot get 50.1%!!! Sajith Premadasa will be the President with a small majority say 3 lakhs of votes.

Sambo Friday, 19 January 2024 07:47 PM

This time the public will not support jumping monkeys from party to part. If he or she has been a corrupted person then jumping to another party will not make him/her an honest person but still the same rough.

Man Saturday, 20 January 2024 07:15 AM

What about renown dumping and pumping at the Stock Exchange?

Opposition has No Long Term Plans yet Friday, 19 January 2024 10:51 PM

Many of the Opposition parties are not ready to update the public on their candidates with elections around the corner. Imagine them running the country without long term plans! Will be another failure like Gota's watch.

මහ බැංකු හොරා Saturday, 20 January 2024 11:22 AM

Ranil, Rajapakses, Maithri, Chandrika and many others will be on one side in this election. However, the battle will be between Sajith and Anura. Although we have been UNP supporters since 1977, we will give Anura a chance this time. If Sajith joins Ranil that is even better for Anura.

Man Sunday, 21 January 2024 05:58 AM

So, you have trust in Ranil as well as in Anura.

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Presidential Elections: three-pronged battle takes shape

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