The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna says it did not seek the support of former President Maithripala Sirisena to form the present government.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo today Administrative Secretary of the party Renuka Perera said the SLPP does not need any support from the former President at present as well.
Perera said several factions have shown an interest in toppling the government adding that former President Sirisena recently claimed that he will form a government with an alliance.
He noted the next Presidential Election will be held after the 19th of November in 2024 and a Parliamentary Election will be held in 2025.
Renuka Perera claimed former President Sirisena came after the SLPP to join the party and even resorted to contacting Minister Basil Rajapaksa through a Chief Prelate.
He said former President Sirisena should leave the present administration if he wants to, and questioned why he isn’t leaving.
Commenting on the postponement of the Local Authorities Election, Renuka Perera revealed the SLPP requested the President to postpone the election as local authorities were unable to serve the public over the past two years.
However, he noted the election may be held within a year. Perera said the SLPP does not agree with postponing elections adding that the country’s economy has weakened at present.
He noted the country’s dollar reserves are being gradually increased, adding if an election is announced now, tourist arrivals will come to a halt and the foreign income will drop again.
Renuka Perera said all matters were taken into consideration when the request was made from the President, and the government reached the relevant decision accordingly.
He reiterated however that the SLPP is prepared to conduct the election at the earliest if the country’s economy stabilizes.