The SLPP candidate for the presidential elections will be announced mid next month, according to parliamentarian Sanjeewa Edirimanna.

Speaking at a press conference in Horana yesterday (09), he added that several names have been put forward for consideration as the presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, a weekend newspaper reported that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) that he would be contesting the presidential election as the common candidate.

The President has informed this decision during an event for parliamentary backbenchers at a hotel in Battaramulla on 6 June. The President has reportedly stated that since he has to bring together the SLPP, minority parties and different organizations, he will definitely contest as the common candidate.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe opened his political party office in Flower road, Colombo 3 on 6 June.

Election publicity campaigns will commence in July and the elections commission and the Elections Commission has the power to call for elections in another 40 days.

The election is expected to take place between 17 September to 17 October.

Reports state it is most likely to be held on 5 or 12 October.