SLPP takes early lead in campaign preparation; others await SC ruling

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna ( SLPP)- led ruling alliance has gone into high gear to prepare for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Like during the presidential election in November last year, the party’s office at Nelum Mawatha in Battaramulla is being geared. Charts are coming up on the walls and past poll records are being analysed. Discussions are under way on how the campaign should be run, taking into consideration the guidelines of health authorities to avoid large gatherings. Pocket meetings and media campaigns are being discussed.

The campaign this time, however, will not see the main man at the helm. Basil Rajapaksa, who has directed them in the past, is staying away because of his new position – Special Envoy to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. It is to be in the hands of

President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Though the Election Commission has set June 20 as the date for parliamentary elections, Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has declared that he was empowered to change the date. Commission sources said this was now a strong possibility. More so, with the Supreme Court set to hear fundamental rights petitions challenging the EC move to conduct polls. In view of the SC hearing these cases, the EC is to announce a new date. This is expected to be decided upon only after the court hearings are concluded.

The main opposition parties, including the United National Party ( UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balavegaya, are still to focus on their main campaign. They are awaiting the outcome of the SC ruling on a date for the election.