Ousted SLFP General Secretary, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara, expressed his willingness to contest the forthcoming Presidential Election if the majority of his Party consents. He revealed this at a press conference held on Wednesday (27).
Furthermore, he insisted that before the Party agrees to such an action, his Party membership, revoked by former President Maithripala Sirisena must be reinstated. Jayasekara argued that the vacuum left by leftist progressive nationalist political forces cannot be filled by the outdated politicians from the 1950s who make up the majority in SLFP, SLPP and UNP.
Refuting claims about former President Sirisena running for the presidency from the SLFP and the possibility of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa running for elections, Jayasekara indicated that SLPP will focus on corrupt businessmen for the role. He asserted that spaces occupied by these outdated politicians should be given to a younger generation of politicians, expressing his readiness to take on the responsibility if given the opportunity.
According to Jayasekara, his 27-year-long political career, graduation from the University of Colombo and legal background, make him a suitable candidate, particularly in comparison to corrupt politicians whom SLPP prioritises. Jayasekara emphasised having a more comprehensive plan for Sri Lanka, noting the need for a leader willing to collaborate with professionals, intellectuals, or a democratic leader chosen by the people to rescue the country from the current situation. He expressed preparedness to make necessary sacrifices to achieve this goal.
Responding to a question about Minister Mahinda Amaraweera’s allegation of his joining the SJB, Jayasekara denied any intention to join SJB and criticised Amaraweera for alleged opportunism. He clarified that ongoing multilateral and bilateral meetings have not influenced his decision to join hands with SJB.
Jayasekara alleged that many SLPP MPs are direct and indirect beneficiaries of President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Government, valuing ministerial portfolios more than their party or its values. While commending President Wickremesinghe for positive policies and actions since assuming office, Jayasekara warned that the austerity measures and inconclusive privatisation policies of the country’s financial strongholds could result in disastrous consequences.
Despite the division within SLPP, which Jayasekara claims is between pro-SLPP MPs and pro-Ranil Wickremesinghe MPs, he urged the public not to take the risk of electing non-career politicians and to choose a president from experienced politicians. If inexperienced individuals are elected, he also asserted that he would not be held responsible for a repeat of the disaster that occurred in the previous government.