The Potential Presidential Candidates in Sri Lanka
The Potential Presidential Candidates in Sri Lanka
The upcoming presidential elections in Sri Lanka later this year could see a face-off between the current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and his own colleague, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe. Rajapakshe, who currently serves as the Minister of Justice, is a potential candidate from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), as announced by former president Maithripala Sirisena, who heads the SLFP.
Rajapakshe, aged 65, is seen as a strong contender for the SLFP candidacy. He hails from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), a party that split from the United People’s Freedom Alliance led by Mahinda Rajapaksa. While some factions of the SLPP support Wickremesinghe, others back the main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), led by Sajith Premadasa.
However, the SLPP loyalists to Rajapaksa are unlikely to nominate a candidate due to internal struggles following mass protests in 2022. These protests blamed the Rajapaksa family for Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. Wickremesinghe, who is yet to declare his candidacy, is relying on cross-party support to implement economic reforms aimed at addressing the country’s financial woes.
The Other Candidates
While Wickremesinghe and Rajapakshe are the potential candidates from the SLFP, there are other contenders in the presidential race. Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the SJB, has already announced his candidacy. Additionally, Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has also thrown his hat into the ring.
Internal Conflicts within the SLFP
However, the SLFP, under Sirisena’s leadership, is currently facing internal conflicts. Legal battles between factions led by Sirisena and former president Chandrika Kumaratunga are ongoing for control of the party. Both leaders are currently restrained by court orders, further exacerbating the internal struggles within the SLFP.
These internal conflicts within the SLFP could potentially impact the party’s ability to field a strong candidate in the upcoming presidential elections. The disunity within the party may also affect its overall support and credibility among voters.
The Road Ahead
The upcoming presidential elections in Sri Lanka are set to be a highly contested and closely watched political event. The potential face-off between Wickremesinghe and Rajapakshe, along with the other candidates, will shape the future direction of the country.
It remains to be seen whether Wickremesinghe will officially declare his candidacy and whether Rajapakshe will secure the SLFP nomination. The outcome of the internal conflicts within the SLFP will also play a significant role in determining the party’s success in the elections.
As the candidates campaign and present their visions for Sri Lanka’s future, voters will have the opportunity to evaluate their policies and leadership qualities. The country’s economic crisis and the need for reforms will be key issues that the candidates will need to address to gain the trust and support of the electorate.
Ultimately, the upcoming presidential elections will be a test for democracy in Sri Lanka and will shape the political landscape of the country for years to come.
