Rajapaksa Loyalists Form New Party to Support Wickremesinghe in Presidential Election

Rebel leaders from the Rajapaksa family-led party have announced plans to form a new political outfit to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election. Over 100 SLPP MPs back Wickremesinghe, defying the party's nomination of Namal Rajapaksa. The SLPP warns of disciplinary actions against dissenters.

Rebel leaders from the party led by the Rajapaksa family have announced they will form a new political outfit, aimed at supporting incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the September 21 presidential election.

Mahindananda Aluthgamage, a former loyalist of the Rajapaksa family, disclosed the preparations to launch the new party. This move comes as Wickremesinghe garners support from over 100 MPs from the Sri Lanka People's Front (SLPP), despite the party naming Namal Rajapaksa as their candidate.

The SLPP has warned about disciplinary actions against members deviating from the party line, yet the rebels continue to back Wickremesinghe, who has undertaken major economic reforms in collaboration with the IMF.

(With inputs from agencies.)