Sumanthiran met Namal
16-Nov-2025.
Namal Rajapaksa, National Organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and Member of Parliament, has assured ITAK General Secretary and President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran that he is ready to extend cooperation for all initiatives— including the private member’s motion moved by MP Shanakiyan—urging the government to hold Provincial Council elections.
A meeting between Sumanthiran, Namal Rajapaksa, and SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam took place at Sumanthiran’s residence in Colombo on November 15.
Sumanthiran stated regarding the meeting:
Namal Rajapaksa and Sagara Kariyawasam sought clarification regarding the joint opposition rally scheduled for the 21st in Nugegoda. They discussed the reasons for the rally and why the SLPP is contributing to it.
They also requested that the ITAK participate in the protest. However, I informed them that the party’s central committee has already decided not to take part.
In addition, the continuous postponement of Provincial Council elections was discussed. It was requested that all parties work together to exert pressure on the government to conduct the elections.
Namal Rajapaksa expressed concerns regarding electoral law reforms and boundary delimitation. Nevertheless, with elections being repeatedly postponed, pressure must be exerted to ensure they are held. Issues such as boundary delimitation and women’s representation must also be addressed.
A private member’s motion has been submitted by MP Sanakiyan requesting that Provincial Council elections be held under the old system. This should be pursued, and the elections must be held accordingly.
Their cooperation was requested, and they assured support both inside and outside Parliament.
Namal Rajapaksa later stated that he had met Sumanthiran to brief him about the opposition rally against the government's unfulfilled promises. Even though ITAK is not joining the rally, as a key opposition party, discussions on the rally programme were important. They also discussed ongoing national issues, particularly the overdue Provincial Council elections. Both sides agreed that the elections must not be further delayed and must be held in accordance with the Constitution, along with strengthening local governance.
