MP Dullas Alahapperuma says he intends to contest for the presidency when the parliament calls for nominations next week.
Issuing a statement, the former minister pledged to commit to work towards the restoration of economic stability in the country and to protect law and order.
As announced by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena this morning, the parliament will elect a new President on July 20. Accordingly, nominations are called next Tuesday (July 19).
Following the voting in the House, a Member of Parliament will be appointed for the presidency on July 20.
In his statement, Alahapperuma said a new President needs to be elected in a constitutional vote in the parliament to complete the term of office of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose resignation was confirmed earlier today.
“The people in Sri Lanka are going through a period of transition, experiencing many unprecedented political, economic and social events. The people’s protest that emerged through an economic crisis has managed to break political dominance. Because of that, the direction of people’s expectations has changed.”
Alahapperuma said he strongly believes that the people of this country should not suffer hardships or despair anymore. It is evident that everyone has a constant desire and interest to find a sustainable solution to the prevailing crises. As a developed cultural society, these issues should be solved within a democratic constitutional political framework, he added.
“It is no secret that I have been engaged in clean, active politics for three decades and have always stood by the people of this country,” Alahapperuma continued in his statement.
He added that an economic plan agreed upon by everyone must be prepared and implemented without delay in order to resolve the current economic crisis. “For that, the support of religious leaders, young political activists and professionals should be sought within and outside the parliament.”
Alahapperuma assured that he is a politician of a “friendly and reliable” nature who is capable of receiving the support of all.
He expressed his readiness to contest for the vacant post of the country’s president in accordance with the parliamentary tradition and the constitution.
Alahapperuma is hopeful that he would receive the unwavering support of the parliamentarians who sincerely wish to build a peaceful and developed Sri Lanka.
