JO demands Govt’s resignation

Joint Opposition MP Dinesh Gunawardena addressing the media yesterday flanked by National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader Wimal Weerawansa and Sri Lanka Podujana Perumana (SLPP) Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris. In the background is former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivaard Cabraal    

In light of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) routing the ruling coalition parties at the Local Government election on Saturday, the Joint Opposition yesterday called on the Government to step down. 

Joint Opposition parliamentary group leader MP Dinesh Gunawardana told the Daily FT that the public had made a clear decision regarding whom they backed politically. 

“We have called on the Government to resign. They have failed on all fronts. This is a historic defeat. It’s the first time a Government lost at a Local Government election. It is clear from this election that the Government was not with the people but against them,” he said. 

Noting that the SLPP had secured the lead in 250 local authorities, MP Gunawardana said that the party was prepared to form an administration.

“We are the leading mandate in over 250 councils. We hope to form an administration. There are independent groups, smaller parties among those who we are willing to join forces with. 

It must be under the leadership of the SLPP however,” Gunawardana asserted. 

Furthermore, the former President is expected to meet with the leadership of the SLPP and decide a future course of action, Gunawardana said, adding that Rajapaksa would be addressing the media sometime today. 

Additionally, he commended the masses, pointing out that the people had made a clear choice regarding whom they supported in the current political sphere.

“We must thank the people who gave an overwhelming mandate to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Podujana Peramuna and the Joint Opposition. This shows that the people were gritting their teeth during all the hardships to express their opinion through the ballot.”  

AFP reported that Rajapaksa’s surprising dominance was proof that the people no longer had faith in the tattered ruling alliance according to SLPP Leader Prof. G.L. Peiris. 

“This was a referendum on the Government. It has no legal or democratic right to remain in power,” Peiris told reporters.