SLPP rules out forming a national government

Friday, 17 July 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Wants no other party involved in making constitutional amendments
Says campaign going according to plan

Expressing confidence in getting a two-third majority at the forthcoming General Election, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday ruled out the possibility of forming a national government to make expected constitutional amendments.

Former Parliamentarian Susil Premajayantha

Speaking to reporters at the SLPP Head Office, former Parliamentarian Susil Premajayantha said that the SLPP had worked with a plan to win sufficient seats at the election, therefore they would not need to form a national government to find sufficient seats to pass expected Constitutional changes.

“The SLPP National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa has a plan to get a two-thirds majority. We are executing that plan at the moment and expecting to win those seats comfortably,” he said. Premajayantha noted that the SLPP is strong enough to get a two-thirds majority and make necessary amendments to the Constitution – which he insisted will benefit the masses and not create a concentration of power among a few people. He also said that the SLPP would address the shortcomings of the existing Constitution to ensure smooth function of the State. Meanwhile, SLPP National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa last week said that they would bring a new Constitution and not simply stop at repealing the 19th Amendment.

He also requested for a majority for his party to bring a new Constitution without being “held hostage” by other factions. Referring to the Opposition’s calls to consider postponing the election, Premajayantha charged the Opposition political parties with attempting to use the COVID-19 pandemic to stave off their all-but-certain defeat at the election.

“The opposition political parties are attempting to use the COVID-19 pandemic for their benefit and minimise their defeat at the General Election. However, the Election Commission (EC) noted that it does not intend to postpone the election and several civil society organisations also pointed out the importance of holding an election.” He also noted that the rift between the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has frustrated UNP supporters, and that it would be beneficial for the SLPP to secure victory.