Colombo: Sri Lanka’s main opposition leader Sajith Premadasa today withdrew his candidacy for the presidential election in a major announcement. Premadasa took to Twitter and said that he is supporting the rival candidate for the top post, Dullas Alhapparuma.
“For the greater good of my country which I love and the people I love, I withdraw my candidacy for the presidency. Samagi Jana Balvegaya and our alliance and our opposition ally Dullas Alhapparuma to be victorious. I will work hard.” Sajith Premadasa.
It is interesting to note that the main opposition leader Premadasa had earlier said that he was ready to contest the presidential election.
Just two hours before the above tweet, the opposition leader had tweeted, “I am going to Parliament to take an important step. I want the people to know that I will take the right decision at an appropriate time to protect my motherland.” National interest and the rights of all my fellow Sri Lankans.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Who is now the acting speaker, is among those in the running for the presidency on July 20, in which 225 members of the House are eligible to vote and participate in a secret ballot.
Who is Dullas Alhapparuma?
Dullas Alhapparuma is a senior MP of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and a former journalist. He was a cabinet minister in the previous Rajapaksa government.
Sri Lankan presidential election
The Sri Lankan Parliament announced that the nominations for the presidential election will be held on Tuesday and the new President Sri Lanka Elections will be held on July 20.
catch all business News, market news, today’s fresh news events and breaking news Updates on Live Mint. download mint news app To get daily market updates.