SLPP Authorises D.V. Chanaka to Pursue Political Understandings with Other Parties

07-Jun-2026

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa has announced that full authority has been granted to Political Committee member D.V. Chanaka to engage with Members of Parliament representing other political parties and independent groups with a view to shaping the party's future political course.

He stated that the decision, taken by the party's Political Committee, would facilitate discussions aimed at reaching key understandings on future political cooperation within Parliament.

Rajapaksa made these remarks while briefing the media on decisions reached during the Executive Committee and Political Committee meeting of the SLPP, held at the party headquarters in Colombo on June 5.

Speaking further, he said that the Executive Committee and Political Committee met under the leadership of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and held extensive discussions on the party's future political strategy.

Particular attention was given to preparations for the forthcoming Provincial Council elections. A committee will be appointed to oversee the nomination process, while former Minister Johnston Fernando has been named Chairman of the main committee responsible for selecting party candidates.

Discussions were also held on establishing a number of affiliated organisations aimed at strengthening the party's grassroots network.

Rajapaksa noted that D.V. Chanaka has been authorised to engage in discussions with MPs representing the SLPP, other political parties and independent groups regarding future political cooperation. The Political Committee has empowered him to arrive at the necessary understandings on how parliamentary collaboration could be pursued in the future.

He further revealed that the number of party Vice Presidents has been increased from three to five. The decision was made in the belief that two Vice Presidential positions should be allocated to representatives from the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Commenting on possible political alliances, Rajapaksa said the SLPP has no objection to the emergence of new coalitions. However, he stressed that the party remains a strong political force and will continue its independent political journey. Discussions on future electoral alliances, he said, can take place at a later stage.

At present, he added, the party's focus remains primarily on the shortcomings of the Government rather than on opposition forces.

Rajapaksa stated that the SLPP's principal objective is to build a political movement capable of opposing the economic burdens imposed by the current Government on farmers, fishermen and workers.

He also said the party intends to challenge what it describes as unchecked corruption within the Government, particularly allegations relating to a coal procurement scandal, as well as threats to the independence of the judiciary.

Welcoming individuals joining the SLPP from other political parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Rajapaksa said public confidence in the party is growing at the grassroots level and that the party would continue to move forward with renewed strength by embracing new members.