A significant number of MPs from the now-dissolved ninth Parliament have decided to retire from politics, citing reasons such as old age, ill health, and an increasingly unfavorable political environment, according to the Daily Mirror.
The political landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift, particularly following the recent Presidential election, which saw the National People’s Power (NPP) — a party outside the traditional mainstream — elected to power for the first time in post-independence Sri Lanka. This victory sets the stage for the NPP to potentially seize parliamentary power in the upcoming General Election on November 14.
The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), which held a majority in the last Parliament, has decided not to nominate MPs who left the party ahead of the Presidential election. As a result, these MPs are now seeking nominations from other newly formed alliances.
Several prominent figures, including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his elder brother Chamal Rajapaksa, Gamini Lokuge, and Ali Sabry, will not contest in the upcoming election. Chamal Rajapaksa confirmed his withdrawal from politics, though his son, Shasheendra Rajapaksa, will contest under the SLPP ticket in the Moneragala District.
Ali Sabry explained that he entered Parliament with the intention of serving only one term and will now return to his legal practice. Vasudeva Nanayakkara, a former SLPP MP, will not run due to health issues, while Bandula Gunawardane has also announced his decision to step down. Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe remains uncertain about his participation.
Additionally, former MP Lakshman Kiriella of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is unlikely to contest, with his daughter Chamindrani Kiriella expected to run in his place from the Kandy District. Politicians Prof. Tissa Vitharana and A.H.M. Fowzie have also opted out of the parliamentary race.
Source – dailymirror.lk
