Three-pronged battle for presidency

13 July 2022 07:27 am - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, SLPP MP Dulles Alahapperuma and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa mull the submission of nomination papers
Parliament will take a secret ballot on July 20 to elect the new president

A three-pronged battle is set to take place for the selection of the next president by approval of Parliament on July 20, Daily Mirror learns.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Dalles Alahapperuma and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa mull the submission of nomination papers to vie for presidency in the secret ballot.

The presidential post fell vacant prematurely in Sri Lankan history one occasion – the assassination of President R. Premadasa on May 1, 1993 . It is now slated to be vacant after the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as already announced by him.

Parliament will take a secret ballot on July 20 to elect the new president. Daily Mirror learns that Mr. Wickremesinghe will contest for the post to serve the rest of the current presidential term. A section of the SLPP is planning to back him. Another faction of the SLPP including the ten-party alliance supports Mr. Alahapperuma. Earlier, the SJB announced that Mr. Sajith Premadasa will be its candidate.

The candidates who get more than 50 percent of valid votes will become the president. Unless any of the contestants cross the 50 percent mark, the preferential votes marked by the MPs will be counted.

According to informed sources, the JVP has taken up the position that a neutral MP with no future electoral ambitions should be appointed next president. The party says Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane should be appointed. The JVP believes the appointment of a political leader with future presidential ambitions will work for the interests of his party with the next election in mind. (Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 16

Peter Johnson Wednesday, 13 July 2022 09:29 AM

An independent MP with no political leanings whatsoever would be an ideal candidate for the Presidency. All parties should support such a candidate. Will they?

Peter Johnson Wednesday, 13 July 2022 09:37 AM

To ensure a smooth, peaceful and orderly transition of power, all political parties should cooperate and agree on a single person (who is acceptable to all and who is known for his honesty and integrity) to be elected as the President - without a contest.

Jamis Banda Wednesday, 13 July 2022 09:39 AM

Looks like Ranil is not affected by the ARAGALAYA ? Only Gota has answered the demand of the Aragalaya !

Lumbini Wednesday, 13 July 2022 09:44 AM

JVP is correct in this issue.

Wijebahu Wednesday, 13 July 2022 09:53 AM

If Ranil does it again, he will be a renegade like his predecessor. Talking about Dulles is waste of time. Sajith is the only logical choice considering the team he has and he has the backing of Fonseka and Harsha.

Mark Anandappa Wednesday, 13 July 2022 10:06 AM

We dont know why this Dullas A is part of this mix?

Disgusted voter Wednesday, 13 July 2022 10:12 AM

Three useless fellows..old wine in new bottle…

kudson Wednesday, 13 July 2022 10:26 AM

ranil still trying to become president what a clown

maha Wednesday, 13 July 2022 10:26 AM

At this crucial time, if RW be President could bring some relief from international. However should give the general public to choose leader in election soon.

Menon Wednesday, 13 July 2022 10:40 AM

What is a pity...

Manage Wednesday, 13 July 2022 10:52 AM

People of srilanka don't want any party politician as their interim president. Select one from non political background with clean hand and neutral position.

sam Wednesday, 13 July 2022 10:57 AM

People will not accept any one of you

Channa Wednesday, 13 July 2022 10:59 AM

Get the vote from the public and see who will get ZERO votes despite of the constitution

Rodrigo Wednesday, 13 July 2022 11:03 AM

AKD don’t show your stupidity. If the person elected ( not RW) worked towards the betterment of the country and gained trust and support so be it

Hanumantha Wednesday, 13 July 2022 11:43 AM

AKD President? My foot!

Volker Metzger Wednesday, 13 July 2022 03:50 PM

The best candidate for the presidency would be Sarath Fonseka ! He is convincing as a human being, a democrat, able to balance the ethnological tensions and has high reputation in the world ! That would facilitate the economic negotiations with the IMF and enable further financial help !

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Three-pronged battle for presidency

Comments - 16

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