Reports of internal discord over presidential candidacy prompted both the National People’s Power (NPP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to unveil their presidential candidates well ahead of the usual timeline, Daily Mirror learns.

NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently announced that he will contest the next year’s presidential election, though it is customary for any party to announce its candidate close to the election period.

Mr. Dissanayake’s announcement came in the wake of growing speculation, fueled by social media reports, that NPP MP Harini Amarasuriya is eying the presidential nomination. There was no official confirmation of Dr. Amarasuriya’s intention in this regard. However, media reports led to a public perception about internal differences over its presidential candidate. Mr. Dissanayake came forward and announced his plan putting to rest speculation.

Also, his latest meeting with MP Dulles Alahapperuma triggered speculation that there is a plan by the latter to be the common presidential candidate of the collective opposition.

SJB leader Sajith Premadasa who is also the opposition leader had the same issue since there are people harbouring presidential ambitions with him. According to inside political sources, the MPs like Sarath Fonseka are involved in covert and overt operations to become the presidential candidates.

Besides, he ruled out any possible unity with the United National Party (UNP) in view of the next presidential election.

The presidential election is almost a year away from now. But, the parties have sprung into action. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will launch a membership drive to reinforce its machinery ahead of the main elections pending next year.