SLFP-SLPP agree on policies to form anti-UNP alliance

• Next round of talks to decide on implementation framework on 17 June 
• Both parties to also consult their top members on coalition plans

By Nuwan Senarathna

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday came to a consensus on policies to form a broad political alliance, but said the implementation framework was yet to be discussed and finalised.

The fifth round of talks between the SLFP and SLPP, on the proposed political alliance against the United National Party (UNP), commenced on Friday at the Opposition Leader’s Office. The discussion went on for more than one hour, with both parties agreeing the next meeting will be held on 17 June. SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris, Senior Lecturer Jagath Wellawatte, and Joint Opposition (JO) National Organiser MP Dullas Alahapperuma represented the SLPP.  Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa, MP Thilanga Sumathipala, and SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara represented the SLFP.

Following the discussion, SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara said both parties discussed at length on how to formulate the intuitional framework and procedures of the proposed alliance. “We are expecting to discuss with senior members of our party and other political parties that support us to agree upon a framework, and later we can discuss that during the next round of talks with the SLPP,” he said.

Jayasekara stressed that the next round of talks with SLPP will be crucial to form an alliance, as the implementation framework of their mutual policies is expected to be discussed on that day. 

Moving on to the SLFP members requesting the President to contest in the upcoming Presidential election, Jayasekara said they made the request with an expectation that all progressive forces will join with them to defeat the UNP policies. He stressed the proposed alliance will not be formed targeting a single election. “It could be a Provincial Council election, a Presidential Election or a General Election. We all want to make the country safe and a better place for future generations,” he said.

Speaking to reporters, SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris said they will study the framework of the proposed alliance, and discuss with political parties that support the SLPP before coming to a conclusion.

Pix by Lasantha Kumara