Nimal Siripala de Silva has stated he received an offer to become the opposition's common presidential candidate in 2015 before Maithripala Sirisena accepted the role, but chose to remain with the SLFP.
Former Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has revealed that he was approached to serve as the common opposition candidate in the 2015 presidential election prior to Maithripala Sirisena receiving the nomination. Speaking at an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), de Silva explained his decision to decline the opportunity in favor of party loyalty.
"You know that at the 2015 election, Maithripala Sirisena left the party and became the common candidate. I was invited before him. But I loved the party more than the presidency. That is why I am still in this party today," de Silva stated. He emphasized that his continued commitment to the SLFP stemmed from a deeper attachment to the organization than personal political ambition.
De Silva also addressed the party's future direction, calling for leadership to be transferred to a unified younger generation rather than factions divided by internal disagreements. "I have always said that young people should take over this party. But it should not be a group fighting among themselves. A united group of young people should take over the party," he remarked. He further indicated his willingness to step down from any current positions if deemed necessary for the party's benefit.