Former Minister D.V. Chanaka claimed that if a Provincial Council election were held under the current circumstances, the National People’s Power (NPP) Government would be pushed to third place.

He further asserted that, between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa, it is Rajapaksa who currently enjoys greater public support.

Chanaka said that his group does not seek to create divisions within the Opposition at present and does not favour unnecessary competition.

Commenting further, he stated that the Government is unlikely to call for an election, as it would risk a third-place outcome.

“If an election is held, we are ready. Give us the Provincial Council election. The SLPP is prepared, and our allied parties are also ready to jointly face that election,” he said.