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By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya
The Government yesterday said they would “request support” from other political parties, including the United National Party (UNP), if they fail to obtain a two-third majority at the upcoming Parliamentary Elections hinting at the possibility of crossovers post-polls.
Addressing the press yesterday, State Information and Communication Technology Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said: “We think that the UNP can win a minimum of 60 seats. Within the party, there are groups that want to make certain changes. We can request these groups to support us.”
He added that the main request the Government was making from the public at the forthcoming election was a two-third majority in Parliament, which would allow them to make a number of legislative changes. “If, for some reason, we cannot achieve this majority, we can invite all other political parties to support us. However, this invitation will not include any privileges,” he said, adding that they will not submit to any racial or religious extremist groups.
In response to a question on Samagi Jana Balawegaya Leader Sajith Premadasa’s role in the elections, Abeywardena said Premadasa can fight for the position of alliance leader but not for a position of power.
“Sri Lanka needs a main political party as well as a main opposition. We are regretful about this division. Today, there is almost no opposition,” he said, addressing the division within the UNP. While the President has had the power to dissolve Parliament since Sunday night, Abeywardena said the President had suggested 2, 3, and 6 March as tentative dates. “According to the Election Commission of Sri Lanka Chairman, the forthcoming Parliamentary Elections will be held between 26 April and 4 May. It is likely that a new Parliament will meet before 10 May,” he added.
The program providing employment for low income families as well as the second phase of the program providing employment for unemployed graduates under the National Policy Framework Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour will also be implemented following the Parliamentary Elections.
The first phase of the program was implemented, with letters of appointment posted yesterday. “A circular had been sent to underprivileged schools that come under Provincial Councils and the Education Ministry on the employment of these graduates as trainee teachers,” he said, adding that this would address the lack of teachers in underprivileged schools, especially for specific subjects.
Questions were also raised about the parliamentarians who will not qualify for their pensions depending on when Parliament is dissolved and Abeywardena said: “I don’t think that it will be implemented under this Government as there is a need for financial management.”
He added: “The country’s public servants can also made such demands. So, in my opinion, a parliamentarian doesn’t have the right to make this demand. We have been appointed as representatives of the people and not to think about our retirement.”
Pic by Lasantha Kumara
