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Mahinda Rajapaksa as well as Basil Rajapaksa have both been tight-lipped about who their candidates will be in the Presidential polls or if they will contest at all. Many in the Lotus grouping have voiced support for Namal Rajapaksa or Dhammika Perera, little knowing that a grand plan is being hatched in the background.
The Rajapaksas are seriously disappointed with Ranil Wickremesinghe and, as always, they have worked with him opportunistically and in a connection of convenience that continues. Both Basil and Mahinda have failed to secure a general election victory to retain at least some of their parliamentary seats.
They believe that although the Lotus lacks national popularity, some of their local politicians could gather enough votes to tilt the balance in a hung parliament. The Rajapaksas are well aware that an NPP led by Anura Kumara Dissanayaka spells serious trouble for them, triggering a strong process to investigate controversial matters from the Rajapaksa regime.
Plan B
Now, Plan B for the Rajapaksas is to sit and hope that Ranil Wickremesinghe does not withdraw from the presidential race and comes to power with the votes of the Lotus group, stabilizing their safety and political future.
The plan being hatched will see an SLPP candidate, most probably Namal or Dhammika, maintaining the party’s presence while local leadership works at the grassroots level to canvass for Ranil Wickremesinghe’s candidacy. This is a high-stakes strategy emerging from the helpless position the Rajapaksas find themselves in. For Ranil Wickremesinghe, it would be a blessing as he would indirectly have the support of the Rajapaksas, saving him from the negative influence created by the anger of many against the Rajapaksas for mishandling the economy.
However, the million-dollar question remains – Will Ranil Wickremesinghe contest the Presidential election?
Currently, Ranil Wickremesinghe has miserably failed to bring SJB members into his camp, which is certainly a drawback. Many speculate that Ranil Wickremesinghe is not someone who will willingly accept defeat after being at the top.
