Former parliamentarian of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Professor Ranjith Bandara, has published a strongly worded statement on social media, calling on party leaders to protect the SLPP’s identity and move forward independently, following what he described as the conclusion of their “duty” towards former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Bandara alleged that Wickremesinghe had distorted the SLPP’s political identity and critically damaged the Rajapaksa political legacy. He emphasised that the party must now focus on unity, integrity, and loyalty to its founding values rather than being drawn into opportunistic alliances.
In his note titled “The Mission of Three Nights and Four Days: A Reminder on Safeguarding the Future of the SLPP”, Bandara reflected on the period between Wickremesinghe’s arrest and his release on bail, describing it as a political operation that has now ended. “We must not allow ourselves to be distracted any further. This is a time for reflection, sincerity, and togetherness,” he wrote.
He warned that Wickremesinghe grew stronger only when the SLPP was divided, and urged party stalwarts and organisers not to let themselves be individually drawn towards him. “If we repeat that mistake, the SLPP will once again become nothing more than a tool for his survival,” he cautioned.
Bandara also recalled advice once given by party founder Basil Rajapaksa during his time managing the Kandy District campaign: “Do not expect instant victories. In politics, what matters most is timing and patience.” Bandara stressed that this wisdom remains valid, and that the SLPP must rebuild itself on its original values and goals.
Calling for unity, he urged party leaders, organisers, and supporters not to “sell the movement back to Ranil” but to let him bear the weight of his own political failures. “Our duty is to safeguard the continuity of the SLPP. Unity, discipline, and commitment to our founding vision are our strength,” he stated.
He concluded by reiterating that the future of the SLPP is inseparably tied to the future of Sri Lanka. “We must move forward by protecting our identity, not through chaotic alliances. The path is clear; the energy and power are with us.”
