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By Nuwan Senarathna
The second round of talks between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) on the proposed political alliance against the United National Party (UNP) ended successfully, an official said yesterday.
The discussion commenced at the Opposition Leader’s Office with the participation of representatives of both parties. The discussion was held for more than one hour, with the next meeting to be on 10 April.
SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara, Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa, and MP Thilanga Sumathipala represented the SLFP camp. SLPP Chairman Professor G.L. Peiris, Senior Lecturer Jagath Wellawatte, and Joint Opposition (JO) National Organiser MP Dullas Alahapperuma represented the SLPP camp.
Following the discussion, SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara told media results of the second round of the talks were successful, as both parties were able to reach agreements on matters of concern to strengthen further discussions, and lay the foundation for policies of the proposed political alliance, which he was not ready to provide details to media on. “Discussion was successful as we expected, and there was no disagreement between the two parties, which is a good sign for further discussions. During the discussion, we were able to talk about a range of things, to lay a strong foundation to form policies for the proposed alliance,” he added.
Jayasekara noted he would report the agreement both parties reached during the discussion to President Maithripala Sirisena, and the Central Committee of the SLFP, for final approval prior to the next meeting. He said they would finalise the agreement once leaders of both parties and Central Committees approved.
Jayasekara noted both parties had agreed to promote trust between the parties’ members, and were looking for possibilities to build unity among Local Government members of both SLFP and SLPP. However, if SLFP and SLPP form an alliance at the Local Government level, they might have a chance to become the ruling party of certain Local Governments, which are now controlled by the UNP. Nonetheless, neither party disclosed the details of how they would build unity among the members of two parties at the Local Government level.
Speaking to reporters, Prof. G.L Peiris said both parties had understood the priorities, which was needed for a fruitful discussion.
Prof. Peiris emphasised the discussion would not be limited to contest an election, or merely finding a suitable Presidential candidate, insisting such matters would not pave the way for stronger alliance to defeat UNP.
He noted the economy, foreign affairs, agriculture, education, and eradicating unemployment were among the matters that both parties have reached an agreement. However, Prof. Peiris was also not ready to provide details of the 20 matters concerning which agreements were reached.
Moving on to voting for the third reading of the Budget, which is scheduled to be held on 5 April, MP Thilanga Sumathipala said the SLFP would take a collective decision on 3 April. He noted the decision to abstain from voting on the second reading of the Budget was based on justifiable reasons.
MP Dullas Alahapperuma said United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) parliamentary group, which consist of a majority of SLFP, would take a final decision on voting for the Budget. Pic by Lasantha Kumara
