Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential hopeful, billionaire businessman Dhammika Perera, MP, has reportedly withdrawn from the presidential race.
A letter said to be sent by Perera to the SLPP General Secretary announcing of his decision to withdraw from the presidential race was circulated in social media this evening.
The letter goes on to quote Perera saying his heartfelt thanks to the party leadership, the General Secretary, and other political representatives. He acknowledged being proposed as the SLPP candidate for the 2024 presidential election but, due to personal reasons, declined to run. Perera extended his best wishes for the party's advancement and future success and thanked them for their understanding.
Last week (29), the SLPP decided in a politburo meeting to put forward Perera as its candidate for the upcoming presidential election. However, a faction within the party, including stalwarts like Prasanna Ranatunga, Rohitha Abeygunawardane, and S.M. Chandrasena, backed President Ranil Wickremesinghe, defying the party’s decision.