The nomination of Ravi Karunanayake to Parliament via the National List of the Cylinder has triggered a wave of controversy, with factions within his party appearing to turn against him. Reports suggest that a letter regarding his nomination was sent to the Election Commission, which has since drawn criticism.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s camp has reportedly taken issue with the process. A news article published in Lankadeepa, a newspaper owned by Wickremesinghe’s brother-in-law Ruwan Wijewardene, claimed that the letter was forwarded without the approval of the party’s coalition partners. The article further alleged that the decision to proceed was arbitrary.
In response to this development, Wickremesinghe’s faction is said to be planning alternative nominations, with Sagala Ratnayake and Ruwan Wijewardene being considered for the National Parliament.
This internal friction underscores the challenges facing party unity as questions loom over procedural transparency and decision-making.
