SLPP Rally in Kalutara: Mahinda Rajapaksa pledges support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa appeared in public for the first time since his resignation in May as Prime Minister when he attended a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) propaganda rally yesterday (October 08) in Kalutara.
The rally titled “Let’s Rise Together from Kalutara”, organised by SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena to rebuild the battered image of the party was held at his coordination office which was set alight by a mob on May 9.
Prime Minister and Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) leader Dinesh Gunawardena and many other ruling party MPs were seen at this rally.
Addressing the rally, Mr. Rajapaksa said there was no need for him to explain the country’s situation to those present since they knew the situation perfectly well. He said it was up to those in the SLPP to protect the government and support the programme of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Speaking further, Mahinda Rajapaksa said “We scolded Ranil back then but Ranil is with us now, so we sing his praises. I believe he has chosen the correct path now”.
SLPP parliamentarians Johnston Fernando, Namal Rajapaksa, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Piyal Nishantha, Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Sagara Kariyawasam were among those who addressed yesterday’s rally.
Many speakers sounded a defiant note, claiming that the SLPP remained a formidable electoral force despite the actions of “conspirators”. They also insisted that the party’s National Organiser and former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, now in the United States, was still giving leadership to the party’s organising efforts.
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Anusha Palpita remanded until February 6, 2026 January 23, 2026
- Anusha Palpita arrested by Bribery Commission January 23, 2026
- Johnston Fernando, two sons and others further remanded until January 30, 2026 January 23, 2026
- Paranthan Chemical Factory reconstruction begins after four decades January 23, 2026
- Sri Lanka hospitals affected as GMOA starts 48 hour strike January 23, 2026
Why can’t MR and his clan retire from politics? He has done enough damage to the nation.
Damage to the nation?
Was the eradication of LTT damage to the nation?
Was the development of the Hambantota Varaya, guwan thotupola, cricket ground, damage to the nation?
Amarakoon, look at your self in the mirror?
Look at the damage being caused by the UK PM and the Albanese in Aus and Jacinda in NZ?
Are they not wrecking the Nation’s they lead?
It is time for the previous auditor general and AKD to put their collected evidence of overwhelming corruption evidence to put on the public domain and release to the media.
It is time for the previous auditor general and AKD to put their evidence of overwhelming corruption on the public domain and release to the media. (sorry about the mixed up words in the previous posting)/