Maithripala to Support Wijeyadasa in Presidential Polls

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Former President Maithripala Sirisena announced his endorsement of Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the candidate for the upcoming Presidential election during a media briefing held in Colombo today.

"Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was selected as the presidential candidate several months ago. His appointment as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party following my resignation was legally validated, with approval from both constitutional executive councils," said Sirisena. "There were no objections when his candidacy was confirmed by the executive council. He has a longstanding history within the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, and his presidential campaign is now fully operational. We will be actively engaging in towns and villages to bolster this campaign and secure Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the next President of our country. Despite not being immediately apparent, he enjoys significant support across various sectors. We expect to confirm this support within a week, and I am confident that he has substantial backing."

Responding to journalists about MP Dayasiri Jayasekara's reported agreements with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sirisena commented, "There are reports suggesting an agreement will be signed on the 8th, but it is not yet confirmed. We will have to wait until then to ascertain the details."