Exclusive
by Our Political Affairs Correspondent
President Ranil Wickremesinghe is expected to announce his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections either tomorrow or the day after, according to reliable sources speaking to the Sri Lanka Guardian. The President was initially scheduled to hold a special press conference near Galle Face, famously known as “Aragala Bhoomiya” (Struggle Ground), where he planned to declare his intention to contest in the forthcoming election. However, the plan has changed this evening, and now the President will announce his candidacy at a rally in Galle during the weekend, organised by key supporters, including the Health Minister, Ramesh Pathirana.
The Election Commission is anticipated to announce the date for the presidential elections, preliminarily set for the fourth week of September.
Supreme Court Decision on Inspector General of Police
In a related development, the position of Inspector General of Police (IGP) has become a subject of legal contention. The legal advice received by President Wickremesinghe confirms that the position remains occupied, as per a report by local media
A senior government minister stated to local newspapers that, under the twenty-first constitutional amendment, the President cannot appoint an Acting Inspector General unless the post is officially vacant. Consequently, the current IGP will retain his position until the legal issue is resolved, despite being hindered in performing his duties due to the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Government Response to Supreme Court Ruling
The government’s stance on this matter will be formally addressed in Parliament. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena is scheduled to deliver a special statement tomorrow morning, outlining the government’s response to the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the IGP. This statement will clarify the government’s official position on the matter.
This series of announcements and legal clarifications marks a significant moment in Sri Lankan politics, as the country prepares for a closely watched presidential election amidst ongoing legal debates.
