The crisis within the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has intensified as General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam faces scrutiny, from party members who have decided to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming Presidential Election.
Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara, following the SLPP Matara District Committee meeting, informed the media that a proposal to remove MP Sagara Kariyawasam from his position as SLPP General Secretary and appoint Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana in his place was passed unanimously.
Another unanimously passed proposal requested the SLPP leadership to reconsider the party’s official decision to field a separate candidate for the 2024 Presidential Election. The committee also decided to support incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election, a proposal that was unanimously approved by the members present.
The meeting was attended by electoral organisers, former Provincial Council members, former local government members and members of groups affiliated with the SLPP.
Wijesekara, who presided over the meeting, addressed concerns regarding the previous decision about the presidential candidacy made by a “small faction” within the party. He asserted that these decisions did not reflect the broader views of the entire party but, rather those of a small group, including Sagara Kariyawasam.
Wijesekara expressed doubts that the proposal promoted by Sagara Kariyawasam was influenced by Udayanga Weeratunga’s agenda. He criticised the deviation from the decisions initially set by party leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, arguing that the efforts of a few individuals should not override the collective stance of the party.
Wijesekara further indicated that the issues raised in the Matara District Committee meeting would be addressed nationwide in the coming days. He emphasised that neither the party’s decisions nor potential disciplinary measures or membership revocations would deter him and others who support President Wickremesinghe from their commitment to advancing the country.
The Minister also criticised Sagara Kariyawasam for his public statements and actions, suggesting that the latter’s efforts might be aimed at undermining the party’s unity and goals. Wijesekara questioned whose interests Sagara Kariyawasam was serving.
He recalled that when they left the SLFP to join the SLPP, the SLFP also threatened to take disciplinary actions against them. “But, nothing happened to stop us from joining the SLPP,” he said.