New Democratic Front (NDF) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa has in writing challenged Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa
to a presidential debate.
Premadasa in the letter to Rajapaksa has noted that it was the democratic right of the citizens to be well informed about their choice of Presidential candidates.
“In modern democracies around the world, presidential candidates fearlessly debate their policies at impartially moderated debates. Today such events are broadcast live on television and social media. There is no better opportunity for people to weigh candidates’ abilities, character and vision,” Premadasa has said in the letter.
Premadasa has observed that he had issued the challenge initially last Wednesday but had not received any response from Rajapaksa.
“On Wednesday, I invited you to take up the challenge of facing the nation at such a debate. Unfortunately, I am yet to receive a response. Some of your advisers have alluded to the absence of a formal written invitation, even in this age of technology and digital communication,” Premadasa has added.
