The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) advocating for an early parliamentary election, the United National Party (UNP) has issued a rebuttal, emphasizing the need to adhere to constitutional protocols.
UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara asserted that conducting the presidential election first aligns with constitutional precedence. He highlighted the importance of upholding the Constitution to avoid past instances of civil unrest and government instability. Bandara specified the timeframe for the presidential poll as stipulated in the Constitution, advocating for discipline and transparency in the electoral process. He cautioned against catering to opportunistic individuals, whom he referred to as “jumping fish,” who seek to exploit political shifts for personal gain.
Additionally, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) expressed readiness for either major election but acknowledged the division within the government caused by the call for an early parliamentary election. SLPP member Basil Rajapaksa’s suggestion for a general election preceding the presidential election was described as merely an idea by him.