SLFP-SLPP coalition to be finalised before 10 August

Friday, 12 July 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

JO decides MR will name SLPP Presidential candidate
MR says Presidential candidate must be capable of disciplining country
SLPP candidate to be revealed during SLPP convention on 11 August

The Joint Opposition (JO) has decided to vest Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa with power to name the Presidential candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), and to finalise discussions to form a political coalition with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) before 10 August. These decisions were taken during a special discussion held at the Opposition Leader’s official residence on Tuesday evening. United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MPs backing Mahinda Rajapaksa and senior members of the SLPP were present at the meeting. Following the JO’s decision, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said a leader who could ensure national security and create a disciplined country will be named as the Presidential candidate of the Opposition. He expressed these views while addressing a meeting including former Members of Parliament and Provincial Councils at SLPP Head Office in Battaramulla, Nelum Mawatha.

“It is doubtful that the Government was focusing on a General Election when the Presidential Election is just around the corner. However, the SLPP has the capacity to win both elections,” he said.

Meanwhile, UPFA MP Dullas Alahapperuma said the Presidential candidate of the JO-backed Opposition will be revealed during the SLPP party convention, which is scheduled to be held on 11 August.

He said the discussion on the basic structure of the political coalition between SLFP and SLPP had been finalised, and it will be revealed to media within the next few weeks. He said the coalition would pave the way to create a new political culture in the country, which will focus on developing the economy so it benefits all sectors in the economy. “This coalition will be on the people’s side and will ensure national security, which has been a weakness of this Government,” Alahapperuma said.

UPFA General Secretary MP Mahinda Amaraweera said on Friday “Sri Lanka Nidahas Podujana Peramuna” has been proposed as the new name for the coalition between the SLFP and SLPP.

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