The move to remove cut outs that have been put up in all parts of the country in support of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa is suspected to be a result of an internal clash due to several posts published to the effect in social media.
The removal of Gotabaya’s posters and cut outs commenced in Hambantota. UPFA MP Namal Rajapaksa participating in the event that was launched to remove posters and cut outs in Hambantota has said that all propaganda material made out of polythene and plastic should be removed regardless of whose images are carried in the material.
He said the programme will be launched in other districts as well.
Namal has pointed out that the SLPP’s presidential candidate, Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his maiden political speech outlining his policies had pledged that he would not use any plastic or polythene in his election campaign.
However, the MP has noted that there were several issues in implementing the policy at ground level, but the SLPP is committed to addressing the issues and engaging in a total eco friendly election campaign.
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However, The Leader learns that the decision to take down Gotabaya’s propaganda material has been taken in violation of the SLPP’s propaganda plans, since the propaganda material that are now being discarded were organized by the retired military officers involved with the Viyathmaga programme.
The SLPP it is learnt has planned its election campaign propaganda in a manner in which both Gotabaya as the presidential candidate and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa as the prime ministerial candidate are given equal prominence.
Nevertheless, most of the cut outs that were put up island wide had not given much prominence to Mahinda Rajapaksa.
This has created much concern among a group of SLPP members engaged in drawing plans of the SLPP election campaign.
