Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa has challenged the government to hold Provincial Council elections, arguing that only ballot results can accurately measure public confidence rather than surveys.
Namal Rajapaksa, National Organiser of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), has urged the current administration to conduct Provincial Council elections, contending that electoral outcomes represent the most authentic measure of government support. Speaking at SLPP headquarters, Rajapaksa emphasised that voter confidence cannot be determined through commissioned surveys alone, and questioned whether the administration possessed sufficient confidence to face the electorate.
Rajapaksa levelled criticism at the government's track record, citing unfulfilled campaign promises and noting that even government surveys indicate more than half the population faces hardship due to rising living costs and food shortages. He cautioned against pursuing constitutional amendments unilaterally, warning that such actions undertaken despite opposition from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, Commonwealth Lawyers' Association, Asian Lawyers' Association, lower court judiciary members, and the public would ultimately prove unsuccessful. He referenced previous governments that disregarded public sentiment, suggesting they faced consequences for their actions.
On matters of national security and cultural events, Rajapaksa drew parallels to historical incidents, arguing that governments must ensure the protection of religious and cultural processions through direct state intervention. He contended that allowing criminal elements to prevent such events would undermine governmental legitimacy and that the state bears responsibility for safeguarding participants and attendees.
Rajapaksa stated that the SLPP maintains no secret negotiations and operates transparently with all political parties. He indicated the party remains open to forming alliances with ideologically aligned groups prioritising national interest, and identified party reconstruction as a key objective.
