SLFP Media Spokesperson and former Minister Dilan Perera on Sunday (21) slammed Minister Rajitha Senaratne for misleading the public about party’s decision to name the prime ministerial candidate at the forthcoming general election.

“By the time he (Rajitha) made the observation about this decision, the six-member committee hasn’t even met the President to discuss in this regard. Rajitha has misused his power as the Cabinet Spokesperson to fulfill the needs of the United National Party (UNP) and Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe,” Perera charged.

“However, the six-member committee met the President few days ago,” he said, adding that they hope it will be a fitting approach to carry out the responsibility in finding the prime ministerial candidate.   

“There was a request to call-back the former President as the PM candidate. The committee was appointed to monitor this request. To see how Rajapaksa would be able to contribute the party. And to monitor what will be the advantages and disadvantages,” he added. 

During the last weekly press briefing, Rajitha Senaratne quoted the President as saying that he (President) will never field Rajapaksa as the prime ministerial candidate and the party will not give nominations to the former President at the forthcoming election.

The committee comprising of six members was appointed to coordinate between President Sirisena and former President Rajapaksa, with regard to the future affairs of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) including its main coalition partner – SLFP on June 16. The committee was appointed during a meeting held to discuss the prevailing political situation in the country and the future political course of SLFP.