SLFP brushes off coalition infighting

• Says remains committed to support President, expected SLPP’s reaction in nomination battle

By Nuwan Senarathna

Brushing off rifts within the coalition with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) yesterday said they would contest the forthcoming General Election under the SLPP to form a strong Government to strengthen President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s rule.

Tension between SLPP and SLPP escalated following Industrial Exports, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Minister Prasanna Ranatunga calling on SLPP supporters to step back from supporting former President Maithripala Sirisena and his faction.

Speaking to media at SLFP head office, Spokesman former MP Weerakumara Dissanayake said the SLFP would only focus on strengthening the President and his development projects. He added the SLFP would not take into consideration of the statement made by individuals of the SLPP.

“We had taken a decision to support President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during the Presidential Election and the SLFP will continue to support President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. As a party we only consider what is best for the country, therefore we will remain committee to strengthen the President,” he said.

He noted the SLFP would stand with the public and would always respect to the people’s mandate. Dissanayake added the SLFP had always gathered around with the anti-United National Party (UNP) camp for the betterment of the country.

“The SLFP has always been a political party that worked closely with anti-UNP political parties. We always contest as collation with likeminded political parties and that will not be changed in the future as well.”

Dissanayake acknowledged the SLPP was ready to criticism of certain SLPP members when they agreeing to contest forthcoming General Election as a coalition. “When we agreed to contest as a coalition we knew this would not be smooth path. But we took a tough decision for the betterment of the country,” he added.

Responding to Minister Prasanna Ranatunga’s statement on calling SLPP supporters to refrain from voting SLFP members, Dissanayake said the SLFP would not response to individual opinions and focus on the common goal.