A faction of the Sri Lanka People’s Front (SLPP), led by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s family, will form a new political party to support incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming election. The move comes despite the SLPP’s official nomination of Namal Rajapaksa as their candidate. This split reflects the ongoing power struggle within the party, fueled by disagreements over economic reforms and the role of state-owned enterprises.
Namal Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has officially entered the Sri Lankan presidential race, challenging incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe. This move signifies the end of the Rajapaksa family’s support for Wickremesinghe, who they previously backed to succeed Gotabaya Rajapaksa last year. Namal’s entry creates a four-way contest, with opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake also in the fray.
