Namal Rajapaksa, the presidential hopeful from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), is set to formally announce his bid for the presidency by placing his security deposit today.

Rajapaksa's campaign is gathering momentum as he prepares for his inaugural public rally in the historic city of Anuradhapura on August 21st. In parallel, the SLPP has formed a disciplinary committee to address internal dissent, particularly among members of parliament, former provincial councilors, and local government officials who have defied party directives.

Disciplinary proceedings are expected to begin after nominations for the presidential election are submitted. Despite previous instances of defection within the party, a senior SLPP member confirmed that 42 MPs have pledged their loyalty to the party's candidate.