JVP Colombo mayoral candidate Dr. Ranil Jayasena

Saturday, 23 December 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Harin skeptical of independent group’s ‘genuine’ intentions in contesting Badulla

The JVP yesterday revealed that its mayoral candidate for the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) would be specialist doctor Ranil Jayasena.

The JVP is to hold rallies in every district, with the more significant districts to have multiple rallies. Their first rally is to kickoff on the 27 December in Anuradhapaura.

In addition, JVP MP Vijitha Herath disclosed that they would not be contesting for the Bandarawela Municipal Council or the Bandarawela Pradheshiya Sabha; instead the JVP would allow a local independent group called the Collective Against the Uma Oya Project to contest that electorate.

“The people of the area have been demanding that they be allowed to contest independently. This would see SLFP, UNP and JVP supporters coming under one banner to contest the Bandarawela electorate. We listened to the people and gave them their democratic right to contest independently,” he said.

Meanwhile, UNP organiser for the Badulla District, Minister Harin Fernando told Daily FT that “if the JVP initiative in Bandarawela was genuine it was indeed a just cause,” but added that he had personal reservations that the JVP was capitalising on the grievances of the local populace to gain political milage.