A number of names are coming up as possible candidates for the next presidential election.
The election is due in October 2024, but there is talk about holding it early by obtaining a supreme court interpretation of the relevant laws.
Key contenders are said to be incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe, SJB’s Sajith Premadasa, JVP’s Anura Kumara Dissanayake, ex-president Maithripala Sirisena and entreprenuer - media mogul Dilith Jayaweera.
The SLPP is yet to decide on a candidate.
The chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Janaka Ratnayake is being considered by a group of religious leaders as a possible candidate.
Meanwhile, senior leader of the UNP Ravi Karunanayake has said that Wickremesinghe will be a non-party candidate at the presidential polls with the intention of forming a government of national consensus.
NPP’s Sunil Handunnetti said it is a joke to speak about presidential candidates at a time when local government elections are to be held.
