Main Opposition Leader Withdrawn His Candidature From President’s Race

The opposition leader of Sri Lanka and the leader of ‘Samagi Janablawegaya Party’ Sajith Premadasa who is one of the front runners for the post of Executive Presidency had today (19) withdrawn his candidature pledging his support for the candidate MP Dallas Alahapperuma who is running for the presidency representing governing Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna(SLPP) Party.

The withdrawal of main opposition leader Sajith Premadasa from the President’s race at the last moment leaves three candidates to run for the President’s post and the winner will be decided from a secret ballot scheduled to be held among MP’s in Parliament tomorrow(July 20).

Parliament is scheduled to meet tomorrow at 10 a.m to elect a new Executive President of Sri Lanka from the three Candidates running for the post. Acting President Ranil Wikramasinghe ,Leader of the leftist Jathika Janabalawegaya Party Anura Kumara Dissanayake and MP Dallas Alahapperuma of Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) Party.

After withdrawing his candidature Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has said “For the greater good of my country that I love and the people I cherish I hereby withdraw my candidacy for the post of president. My party and our opposition partners will work hard towards making Dallas Alahapperuma victorious “.

Meanwhile MP’s of the Governing Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Party are being divided when supporting candidates in tomorrow’s vote to elect a new president and a section of the Party had pledged their support for the  Acting President Ranil Wikramasinghe and the other section had pledged their support to MP Dallas Alahapperuma .

Many opposition parties had pledged their support to Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa’s candidature earlier. However as he had withdrawn from the race. There’ s a doubt whom they will cast their votes now.