Namal and Sajith a no-show; Only Dilith shows up for first presidential debate

The public debate of the presidential candidates contesting the 2024 Presidential Election, organised by the March 12 movement was held this afternoon (07) at the BMICH.

Presidential candidates Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna’s (SLPP) candidate Namal Rajapaksa, ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ presidential candidate Dilith Jayaweera and Tamil common candidate P. Ariyanethiran had confirmed their participation in the live presidential debate, however, only entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera turned up for the televised debate..

Speaking during the event, the Executive Director of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hetticarachchi expressed gratitude to ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance’s presidential candidate Jayaweera for attending the debate as promised, respecting the people of the country.

Commenting at the commencement of the event, Hetticarachchi added: “We invited six candidates for the debate. Four of them accepted our invitation. We are thankful for Dilith Jayaweera who is present here at the moment. While the debate is ongoing, we expect the arrival of Sajith Premadasa. Namal Rajapaksa informed us that he will be present following the arrival of Sajith Premadasa. P. Ariyanethran confirmed that he came halfway but had to turn back due to time constraints.”

With the organisers expecting the arrival of other candidates, the debate which was scheduled to commence at 03.00 p.m. was delayed by 40 minutes. At 03.40 p.m., the debate commenced with Dilith Jayaweera being the only candidate in presence throughout the debate.

Speaking during the debate, Mr. Dilith Jayaweera presented his future plan for the country to the people.

“There is a strategic program, a person who represents the strategic program has come. His face is different, his behavior is different, his speech is different, his program is also different. He is so different that he has the strength to come to this kind of debate,” he said.