Patali to run for President

Attorney-at-Law Shiral Lakthilaka, senior Vice President of Eksath Janaraja Peramuna (EJP) yesterday (06) said Patali Champika Ranawaka was the best person to head the country.

The civil society activist, who served former President Maithripala Sirisena as an advisor, said that Ranawaka should be fielded on a strong foundation for the forthcoming presidential election.

Ranawaka contested the last general election on the SJB ticket, but subsequently formed EJP, which hasn’t received the Election Commission’s recognition yet.

Issuing a statement, Lakthilaka claimed that the public expected Ranawaka to contest the presidential election. Ranawaka served the Cabinet-of-Ministers during the tenures of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Maithripala Sirisena.

Referring to JVP and JJB leader Anura Kumara Disanayake’s declaration that he would contest the presidential poll, Lakthilaka said that the EJP leader would join the fray.

Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and SJB leader Sajith

Premadasa have declared their candidature whereas Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka on numerous occasions indicated his desire to contest the presidential election.

(SF)