Former Sri Lankan President and leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Mahinda Rajapaksa, has extended an invitation to MPs who previously left his party, urging them to set aside ideological differences and reunite for the greater good of the nation and the party.
Speaking to the media following the official announcement of the 2024 presidential candidacy, Rajapaksa expressed confidence in winning the upcoming election. Drawing from his 50 years in politics since entering the political arena in 1970, he stated, “We will definitely win the next presidential election.”
Highlighting the strength of his son Namal Rajapaksa as a candidate, he appealed to former SLPP members to return, saying, “I invite the people who went from SLPP to work together with us. The youth of the country are moving with the youth leadership. They want to help, and it is their responsibility.”
Acknowledging the recent political challenges and separations within the party, Rajapaksa noted, “We are saddened by the separation of a group of people who were close to us. But such is the nature of politics. It comes and goes. But I didn’t change.”
Rajapaksa emphasized that the youth leadership demanded by the recent struggles (Aragalaya) has now been addressed, expressing hope that supporters of the SLPP, known as Pohottuwa, will rally behind Namal Rajapaksa.