Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer MP Namal Rajapaksa has been officially named as the party’s candidate for the 2024 presidential election. This announcement was made by SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam this morning at the party headquarters in Colombo.

Previously, SLPP MP and businessman Dhammika Perera was anticipated to be the candidate. However, on Tuesday, Perera withdrew from the race, citing personal reasons in a letter to General Secretary Kariyawasam. Former Ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, a close associate of the Rajapaksa family, indicated that certain circumstances influenced Dhammika Perera's decision to step down.