MPs Urge Snap General Election Amidst President’s Presidential Poll Plans

Presidential election set for the first week of October, members of Parliament from various political factions, excluding the National People’s Power (NPP), have intensified their calls for President Ranil Wickremesinghe to announce a snap general election at the earliest opportunity.

Basil Rajapaksa of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) advocated for a parliamentary election to precede the presidential poll during a private meeting with the President. Rajapaksa emphasized the strategic advantage for his party in holding a parliamentary election first.

However, President Wickremesinghe has affirmed to the Cabinet of Ministers that he intends to adhere to the constitutional schedule, dismissing any prospects of a snap general election prior to the presidential ballot.Reports suggest that certain parliamentarians are initiating efforts to pass a resolution in Parliament, urging the President to consider an early general election.
UNP Chairman MP Vajira Abeywardane hinted at this approach, emphasizing Parliament's authority in deciding the timing of elections.Addressing concerns of election postponement, MP Abeywardane reassured that there are no plans to delay the general elections under the guise of electoral system amendments.
Moreover, he indicated President Wickremesinghe’s intention to stand as a unifying candidate in the upcoming presidential election, aiming to unite various political parties under a common platform.