• Will not endorse any candidate supported by Rajapaksas: Patali 

The United Republic Front (URF) is yet undecided on whether to field a separate candidate or support another mainstream candidate in the upcoming Presidential Election, said URF Leader and Opposition Parliamentarian (MP) Patali Champika Ranawaka.

Speaking to the media, MP Ranawaka emphasised that the URF will not endorse any presidential candidate who is supported by the Rajapaksa family. He stated: "We cannot be on the same stage with the Rajapaksas." He noted that this stance stems from him and his party's firm opposition to the Rajapaksa family, whom they hold primarily responsible for the country's current economic crisis according to the Judiciary.

MP Ranawaka clarified that while he has no issues with other MPs from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), the URF is resolute in not forming an alliance with the Rajapaksa family. "I do not have any issue with the rest of the SLPP MPs, yet we are not ready to ally with the Rajapaksa family, who is mainly responsible for the country's current economic crisis," he added.

The URF leader further noted that a final decision regarding the Party’s stance in the Presidential Election would be made in the coming days. When asked about the possibility of supporting the incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, MP Ranawaka responded that the URF could not back him if he received support from the Rajapaksa family. "Our Party would not be able to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe if he receives the support of the Rajapaksa family," he said.