In a significant political development, Member of Parliament Dhammika Perera has made a bold announcement regarding his potential candidacy in the next Presidential Election, provided he can secure the support of political parties to garner 51% of the vote. Perera, a prominent business tycoon widely regarded as the wealthiest individual in Sri Lanka, revealed his intentions during a press conference.

Perera entered Parliament as a national list member appointed by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). During the tenure of former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, he briefly held a ministerial position. However, in recent times, Perera has distanced himself from the SLPP and has been operating independently as a Member of Parliament.

This marks the first instance in which Perera has publicly articulated his aspirations to run for the presidency. His decision to seek the highest office in the country underscores the evolving dynamics within Sri Lanka's political landscape.

The success of his presidential bid hinges on securing the backing of political parties that collectively represent the majority of voters, aiming to achieve the crucial 51% threshold for victory