Sri Lanka: Presidential Elections Dispatches — Issue 6
Editorial Note: Below is a collection of hot news related to the Presidential Election 2024, reported as of today (14th August 2024). This issue marks the fifth in our ongoing coverage of the unfolding political landscape in Sri Lanka as the country prepares for the upcoming election on September 21st.
A Petition to Remove Ranil’s Name
Lawyer Shan Ranasuriya has filed a fundamental rights petition with the Supreme Court, seeking a ruling that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is unfit to run as a candidate in the forthcoming presidential election. The petition argues that the President, by appointing Ali Sabri as Minister of Justice, has deliberately violated the Constitution, particularly in the appointments of the Acting Inspector General of Police and the Court of Appeal Judge. The petitioner contends that these actions render Wickremesinghe’s candidacy inappropriate.
Namal’s Nomination is Signed and Secured
Today, security deposit was posted for Parliament member Namal Rajapaksa, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) candidate for the presidential election. SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam pledged the security deposit, following which Namal participated in a blessing ceremony at Mahinda Rajapaksa’s residence on Wijerama Road, where he signed the nomination papers in the presence of family and party members.
Namal Yojana Halted at Ceremony
The Election Commission intervened today (14th August) to halt a Jaya Pirith sermon that was scheduled to take place at Colombo Independence Square. The event was reportedly organized to seek blessings for a candidate who had deposited security deposit for the upcoming presidential election. The Commission, acting on a complaint, met with religious leaders and officials at several government institutions to stop the event from proceeding.
Namal Makes His Move
Member of Parliament SB Dissanayake has stated that Namal Rajapaksa’s decision to run for the presidency is a wise one. However, he also suggested that it would be prudent for Namal to consider withdrawing from the race at the last minute.
Security Deposits Conclude for 40 Candidates
The placing security deposits for the September 21st presidential election closed today at noon. The Election Commission reported that 40 candidates have successfully deposited their security deposit. Nomination papers will be accepted tomorrow (15th August) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Election Commission.
Patali Returns to Sajith’s Camp
Member of Parliament Patali Champika Ranawaka has announced his support for opposition leader Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming presidential election. Ranawaka, who was recently an independent MP after previously aligning with the opposition, made this declaration at a ceremony in a hotel in Talawatugoda.
United Front Backs Ranil
Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, leader of the Podujana United Front, announced today that the alliance, comprising around 30 MPs, will support President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming election. This new alliance includes several progressive left-wing political parties and notable politicians such as Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, and John Seneviratne.
Rajitha Joins Ranil at the Temple
Kalutara District MP Rajitha Senaratne from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya Party has declared his support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the presidential race. Senaratne formalized this decision yesterday (13th August) at a seminar held at Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple in Colombo, where he signed an agreement with the President.
Ranil Claims Credit for Election Opportunity
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, while attending a ceremony at the Battaramulla Police Special Task Force, stated that his efforts to establish law and order in July 2022 have provided the citizens with the opportunity to vote in the presidential election on September 21st, 2024.
Dilith and Wijeyadasa Sign Nominations
Presidential candidates Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha and Dilith Jayaweera have officially signed their nomination papers. Rajapaksha completed his at his home in Kaduwela Meda Nawala, while Jayaweera signed his at the Mawbima Janata Party office in Borella.
Janaka places the security deposit
Janaka Rathnayake, former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, is running for president on behalf of the United Lanka Podujana Party. His security deposit was deposited on his behalf by Nihal Prema Kumara Deshapriya, the party’s Secretary.
Postal Voting Dates Announced
The Election Commission has scheduled postal voting for the presidential election to be held on September 4th, 5th, and 6th. Unmarked postal ballots can be re-marked on September 11th and 12th.
Dilshan Backs Sajith
Former Sri Lankan cricket team captain Tillakaratne Dilshan has joined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, led by Sajith Premadasa. Dilshan, a talented all-rounder, has been appointed as the party’s organizer for the Kalutara district.
Special Provisions for Disabled Voters
Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake announced today (14th August) that disabled persons can use temporary ID cards while voting in the upcoming presidential election.
Ranil’s Pohottu Team Secretary Announced
Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana has been proposed as the Secretary General of a new alliance to be formed by SLPP MPs supporting President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Minister of State for Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon confirmed this, adding that Education Minister Susil Premjayantha will unveil the new alliance today (14th August).
Election Complaint Report
The Election Commission has reported an increase in election-related complaints, with a total of 408 complaints filed concerning the presidential election on September 21st. In the last 24 hours alone, 42 complaints have been reported, including 37 related to election rule violations.
