Basil leaving the country : SLPP issues clarification

September 20, 2024 at 3:12 PM

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has confirmed party founder Basil Rajapaksa’s departure from the country prior to the 2024 Presidential Election.

Confirming that Rajapaksa had left the island early this morning, the SLPP said he would return soon to lead the party’s general election activities.

SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said that the former minister was scheduled for a medical checkup a few weeks ago, but had delayed it due to the election campaign activities of SLPP Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa. 

“Basil Rajapaksa had already informed the party that he would be leaving the country. Following his medical checkup, he will return soon to lead the party’s general election activities,” MP Kariyawasam said. 

The SLPP General Secretary also refuted social media reports that SLPP Presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa’s two kids left Sri Lanka today with his wife’s family, stating the claims were untrue.

MP Kariyawasam revealed that Namal Rajapaksa and his family have visited the Kataragama Temple for religious observances. (Newswire)