September 18, Colombo (LNW): Highways, Transport, and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana lauded Basil Rajapaksa for his instrumental role in forming the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) after the first electoral defeat of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Speaking at a public meeting in Korathota Junction, Kaduwela, organized by PS member Saman Kumara, Gunawardhana emphasized that despite various opinions, Basil Rajapaksa’s Mahinda Sulanga program helped rebuild the party.
Gunawardhana also spoke highly of Professor G.L. Peiris, acknowledging his continued leadership as SLPP chairman and his vital role during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s presidency. Peiris chaired the Cabinet Sub-Committee responsible for selecting foreign agencies like Lazard and Clifford Chance to manage the country’s foreign debt crisis. Despite avoiding damage during the political struggles, Peiris supported Dullas Alahapperuma for the presidency and advocated for Sajith Premadasa as Prime Minister during the crisis.
The minister also highlighted the contributions of Nalaka Godahewa, the chief economic advisor to Gotabaya Rajapaksa and architect of the SLPP’s economic agenda, and noted that he, along with Jagath Wellawatta, shaped the core of the party’s economic policies. Gunawardhana revealed that he had disagreements with parts of Gotabaya’s manifesto, especially in education, and had worked with academics to amend it.
Looking ahead, Gunawardhana hinted at potential cabinet appointments in a future Sajith Premadasa government, with promises of key portfolios such as Foreign Affairs for G.L. Peiris, Education and Culture for Alahapperuma, and Finance for Godahewa.
The political landscape is shifting, with several SLPP leaders, including Susantha Punchinilame and Lakshman Wasantha Perera, signaling their intention to join the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) after the 18th, fueling speculation of an SLPP exodus to the SJB. Meanwhile, prominent SJB figures such as Dr. Harsha de Silva, Kabir Hashim, and Eran Wickremaratne have taken a step back, allowing new political alignments to unfold.
