By The lotus grouping, or SLPP, is in a difficult position as they search for a presidential candidate for the upcoming election. They need a strong leader who can unite the party and bring in new supporters, but they also need someone who is electable.
Basil Rajapaksha is a popular figure within the party, but he is still a US citizen and would need to renounce his citizenship in order to run for president. Namal Rajapaksha is also popular, but he is reluctant to run for president because he fears defeat could damage his future political career.
If parliamentary elections are announced first, Namal Rajapaksha may be more willing to run for president. This would give him an opportunity to demonstrate his leadership skills without risking his future political career.
However, if the presidential election is announced first, the SLPP will need to find another candidate. This could be a difficult task, as there are few other figures within the party who have the same level of popularity and support as the Rajapaksas.
Ultimately, the SLPP will need to decide whether they are willing to risk running Basil Rajapaksha for president, or whether they need to find another candidate. This is a difficult decision, but it is one that they need to make soon.
Here are some possible scenarios:
- Basil Rajapaksha renounces his US citizenship and runs for president. This would be the riskiest option for the SLPP, as Basil Rajapaksha is a polarizing figure and there is no guarantee that he would win.
- Namal Rajapaksha runs for president. This would be the safer option for the SLPP, as Namal Rajapaksha is a popular figure who is not as polarizing as his father. However, there is still no guarantee that he will win.
- The SLPP finds another candidate to run for president. This would be the most difficult option for the SLPP, as there are few other figures within the party who have the same level of popularity and support as the Rajapaksas.
- Which option the SLPP chooses will depend on their assessment of the risks and rewards
