President Ranil Wickremesinghe has lost faith among a vast majority of SLPP MPs, sources close to the party said.
The sources dismissed claims by minister Prasanna Ranatunga that 126 SLPP MPs support Wickremesinghe, whom he said would be their presidential candidate.
Around 80 percent in the party, including several cabinet ministers, are deeply disappointed with the president’s delaying tactics and with the conduct of certain UNP members.
Another reason for their dejection is that they are yet to be compensated for their properties destroyed by anti-government protestors.
Despite the president’s having given instructions to compensate for Dr. Seetha Arambepola’s damaged car, a powerful minister has prevented the payment to aggravate the situation.
Ministers Susil Premajayantha, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Tiran Alles want to act independently, but are displeased with interferences and interventions by several cabinet hopefuls, said the sources.
Even as matters stand thus, Ranatunga is speaking in support of Wickremesinghe in order to escape punishment from court cases pending against him, certain SLPP members alleged.
