Mahinda Rajapaksa to be given the SLPP leadership

Colombo (News 1st): Chairman of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Professor G.L. Peiris has stated that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be handed the leadership of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. He noted that the National Conference of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will be held on the 11th of August at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium and on the occasion, Mahinda Rajapaksa will be formally handed over the leadership of the party. He added that from the start, he has been the leader of their party, but on the 11th, he will formally take over the leadership and once he takes over the leadership, he will then immediately present the candidate he has in store for the Presidential election. The Chairman went onto note that Mahinda Rajapaksa will name the candidate and then present him to the nation on the 11th of August. Professor Peiris added that the key reason behind this convention is the presentation of the candidate. He also invited the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to join with them on this day. He said one thing they are certain about, that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party members, will never pledge their support to a candidate representing the United National Party. When questioned about rumours regarding opposition leaders holding discussions with the President, he noted that the talk is only regarding the organizational structure, and they believe that the two leaders when they speak to each other, can guarantee faster progress. He added that there is, however, no date set yet. Meanwhile, MP Mahindanda Aluthgamage revealed that Gotabhaya Rajapaksa will be contesting the Presidential Election from the party. He noted that in another six days, they will hand over the leadership of this party, that they formed within a short period of time, to Mahinda Rajapaksa. He said Mahinda Rajapaksa will then announce Gotabaya Rajapksa as the candidate for the upcoming presidential elections.