In a recent undisclosed meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, political heavyweights President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Basil Rajapaksa convened behind closed doors, leaving the media and the public curious about the content of their discussion. The meeting, shrouded in secrecy, has sparked intrigue and speculation about the political landscape in Sri Lanka, particularly in the run-up to the upcoming elections.
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna parliamentarian SB Dissanayake shed light on the clandestine meeting, revealing that the discussions did not yield any significant outcomes. According to Dissanayake, President Wickremesinghe skillfully sidestepped the topic of the impending elections, giving the impression that he was not eager to delve into the matter at hand.
Dissanayake emphasized that the President did not provide insights into whether the general elections or presidential elections would take precedence. Despite the ambiguity surrounding the electoral timeline, it is known that the presidential elections are slated for October 2024.
Addressing the political landscape, Dissanayake remarked on the recent election rally held by the United National Party (UNP) in Kuliyapitiya. Reflecting on the past, he acknowledged that the SLPP played a crucial role in elevating the UNP leader to the presidency. Dissanayake highlighted the importance of the UNP maintaining and or improving its strength, especially considering its current vulnerable position, holding less than 3% of the total vote.
Expressing his views on the strength of political parties, Dissanayake asserted that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya currently stands as the most robust party, commanding approximately 40% of the total vote. Following closely behind is the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, holding the position of the second strongest party with around 35% of the total vote.
Dissanayake further underscored that other major parties, including the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the United National Party, lag significantly behind, each securing less than 3% of the total vote. These observations prompt considerations about potential strategic alliances and the intricate chess game of political maneuvering in the lead-up to the forthcoming elections.
The closed-door meeting at the Presidential Secretariat has injected a sense of mystery and anticipation into Sri Lanka’s political landscape. As the country braces for the upcoming elections, the cryptic nature of the discussions between key political figures raises questions about the strategies and alliances that may unfold in the coming months. As political players jockey for position, the electorate awaits further developments that will shape the future trajectory of Sri Lankan politics.