The nomination process for National List MP positions within the New Democratic Front (NDF) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has erupted into internal turmoil, with fierce competition for the limited seats available.
The NDF secured only two National List seats and the SJB five in the recent general election. The crisis within the NDF intensified following the nomination of Ravi Karunanayake as a National List MP, announced in the Gazette on the evening of the 18th. The NDF General Secretary reportedly submitted Karunanayake’s name to the Election Commission without consulting member parties, causing widespread dissent among alliance members.
Former President and NDF Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe voiced his displeasure over the unilateral decision on Monday, emphasizing that the nomination was made without his or the member parties’ approval. In response, Wickremesinghe has called a meeting in Colombo today with NDF stakeholders to address the situation.
The controversy has sparked protests, with demonstrators gathering outside Karunanayake’s residence this morning, prompting increased security in the area.
Amid the escalating tensions, a new proposal has emerged to nominate Kanchana Wijesekera, who failed to win a seat in Matara district, for the second National List position allocated to the NDF.
In contrast, the SJB has yet to finalize nominations for its five National List seats. The delay is attributed to internal disputes among the allied parties that contested under the SJB banner, with each group pushing for representation and causing a stalemate within the alliance.
