Ranjan explains the added 'A's

From SL Mirror

Politician turned actor Ranjan Ramanayake has revealed the meaning of the initials A.A. he had used in his name during nominations.

Ranjan, who would be contesting the General election under the UNP ticket, has used the name A.A. Ranjan Ramanayake.

Reports say that the additional initials is a ploy to make it to the top of the candidates' list and to ensure a preferential number at the top section of the ballot card.

The candidates list is set according to the alphabetical order. Those at the top of the list are ensured a preferential number at the top section of the ballot card.

However, Ranjan said that the initials A.A. stand for Ambakumara Alphonso and he had used the same name at previous elections.

However, Ajith Mannapperuma has noted his name as A. Ajith Mannapperuma.

Despite the double As, Ranjan could end up as number 02 in the list, reports add.

Last year, a candidate had changed his name to A.A.A.A at the Western Provincial council polls. Although media reported that an investigation was held on this regard, the candidate ended up at the top of the name list with no issues.

Back then, the move was deeply criticized by Ramanayake.