Notes support from SLFP members but no final call on contesting party
Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, officially declared his candidacy for the 2024 Presidential Election, yesterday (25).
Speaking to the media, Rajapakshe assured that despite his candidacy, he will continue to serve in his ministerial role and asserted his right to remain in the Cabinet of Ministers, citing his significant contributions to the formation of the current Government in 2020. He noted: “I will remain in the ministerial position as I have a right to be in the Cabinet as a figure who contributed to form the incumbent Government.”
Rajapakshe also indicated that he has yet to decide on the political party from which he will contest the election. However, he assured the formation of a broad people's alliance, with substantial support from members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). He revealed: “A broad people's alliance would be formed with the support of over 90% of the SLFP members.” Expressing his confidence in the upcoming electoral process, Rajapakshe stated: “I believe that the Election Commission will act independently and as per the Constitution concerning the upcoming elections.”
He further highlighted the importance of establishing the rule of law to overcome national challenges and meet the people's expectations. He reminded the public of his role in guiding the 19th and 21st Constitutional Amendments, which aimed at reducing arbitrary powers and enhancing the accountability of the President. “The reduction of arbitrary powers made the President responsible and accountable and provided much for the independence of the Judiciary and the civil service. We established the National Procurement and Audit Commissions,” he said.
Addressing the issue of corruption, he emphasised his efforts in enacting a robust Anti-Corruption Law. “Fraud, corruption, commissions, extortions, etc., which have been rooted in the governing system, have led the country to destruction. In order to address this, I have worked hard to get the new Anti-Corruption Law passed,” he said. He added that the said Law facilitates the establishment of a fully independent Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, with stringent rules on assets and liabilities disclosures, claiming: “This is the best Anti-Corruption Law among Asian countries.”
Reflecting on the state of party politics, Rajapakshe criticised the prevalent nepotism and its detrimental effects on the nation. “In the last few years, the people realised that the nepotism created in party politics has become a curse for the people of this country. In order to make the country a developed country through the right direction and to make it a suitable place for the people to live in a healthy way, the supremacy of the law should be established. Everyone should adapt to it. People's faith in democracy should be rebuilt,” he said.