Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris said he would make an official request to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the next national convention to take over the leadership of his party.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, Peiris said the time was right for Rajapaksa to become the official party leader and drive its political campaign.

The next national convention of the Sri Lanka Podujana Party is scheduled to take place next month, under the auspices of the former President. 

Peiris said taking up leadership of the SLPP would not risk Rajapaksa’s MP seat.

“We have already obtained legal advice on the matter. There is no risk of losing MP seat,” he said, adding that his group would resort to legal action if the SLFP attempted to lay hands on the the former President’s MP seat.

Peiris’ statement was an indication that the SLPP., which was formed as a proxy party to support  Rajapaksa, would be transformed into a mainstream political party.

The former Minister said the party was in the process of forming its youth organizations and women’s organization at the grassroots level.