NPP Executive committee member and former MP K. D. Lal Kantha urged Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to either come to the debate alone or with a group, and not to avoid it by debating the invitation further.
He mentioned that if the Opposition Leader participates directly in the debate, rather than sending representatives, the NPP would welcome it and is open to negotiating another date if there are any concerns about scheduling.
Lal Kantha made these remarks while attending a programme in Kandy city yesterday (24), which focused on empowering three-wheeler drivers to build a populist governance. He highlighted that the NPP was ready to debate with Eran, Harsha, and Kabir, who currently represent the Economic Committee of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya, even if Sajith does not participate.
He further stated that hosting a debate among the confirmed presidential candidates would positively steer the political culture of the country. Thus, he plans to remind Sajith Premadasa to engage in the debate directly, without evading.
Lal Kantha also expressed that despite the criticisms from various parties, including the United National Party, Samagi Jana Balavegaya and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, against the NPP, the major parties are apprehensive about the growing support for the NPP among the populace.
He concluded by saying that even if all these individuals were to unite under one political banner, the people of this country would not follow them.
Asela Kuruluwansa