President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday dismissed concerns over alleged rifts within the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

Speaking with editors and media owners, the President said the two major parties have had internal rifts many times over the years, hence the latest situation wasn’t a cause for alarm nor unprecedented. 

“SLFP has had many breakups and many leaders have ventured out and formed different groups. It is the same with the UNP. This is nothing new. All are human and issues can be resolved through dialogue,” Sirisena said.

Ahead of the SLFP’s 65th convention in Kurunegala on Sunday, the President said the majority of dissidents were not keen to see a break in the party. “I have been getting many calls to this effect,” he added. Responding to a question on whether his leadership has weakened or is at stake, the President said it was for others to judge but noted that on Sunday people would get a chance to see the strength of his leadership and the SLFP.

The President also said that the Rs. 9 trillion debt was a major challenge before the country, hence major parties were required to come together to lead the country towards prosperity. 

“Like all united during the tsunami, in the face of a national debt crisis, why shouldn’t the SLFP and the UNP work together? We must work together to develop the country, create jobs and income, eliminate poverty, reduce the debt burden and establish a free, democratic nation of contented citizens with equal rights, living in perfect harmony. Let us unite and face the challenges together,” the President added.

Media should not ridicule reconciliation: President 

President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday that the media should not mock or ridicule a noble concept like reconciliation as doing so would give a wrong interpretation about a positive concept to the younger generation. 

“There is media freedom today and it is up to you to criticise anybody. However, the media should not ridicule noble concepts like reconciliation by stating that reconciliation is an international conspiracy to divide the country. Such misinterpretations will give a wrong twist to the real meaning of reconciliation and mislead the younger generation,” the President told a meeting of editors and media owners yesterday at President’s House.