SLFP walks back co-leadership role for Sirisena

• Dayasiri says it was only included in the MoU signed before Presidential Poll 
• Calls for coalition talks to take place between party leaders 
• Says public will decide who is wronged party 
• SLFP has requested meetings with President, PM, BR

By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) yesterday said they had not specifically asked for a co-leadership role for former President Maithripala Sirisena, but had only echoed what was included in the

SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two parties before the Presidential Elections.    

At a press briefing held at the Party head office, Jayasekara commented on the alliance, saying that discussions are yet to be held between the two parties, and that discussions should be held to discuss any changes to the terms agreed upon in the Memorandum of Understanding between the parties.The symbol of the alliance was of no concern to him, Jayasekara said, adding that at no point had former President and SLFP Chairman Maithripala Sirisena asked for co-leadership of the alliance.

“We didn’t say we wanted co-leadership, but that it was decided upon in the initial agreement,” Jayasekara said, adding that changes in the positions of key parties to the agreement should be taken into consideration when making these decisions. He explained that when the alliance was formed, Sirisena was the President of the country, and Prime Minister and SLPP leader Mahinda Rajapaksa was the Opposition Leader.

He also said decisions on the SLFP and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) alliance should be made during discussions between party leaders and not at press briefings.

“The SLFP has requested a discussion with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as well as a discussion with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Basil Rajapaksa,” he added. Jayasekara went on to say that steps are being taken to register the Sri Lanka Nidahas Podujana Peramuna as a political party, and the next step would be to appoint office bearers. 

In response to a question on the disagreements between the SLFP and SLPP, Jayasekara said the SLFP, having signed agreements, shared power, and contributed to electing a president, has become a problem now that a new Government was being formed.

“It would have been good if this had been said back then, but they warmly welcomed us,” he said, adding that the public will decide who the wronged party is. He also appealed to all to stop thinking as SLFP members and SLPP members, and instead work together for the future of the SLFP. Regarding the upcoming Parliamentary Elections, Jayasekara said Sirisena was already making preparations to campaign from Polonnaruwa, and that all SLFP MPs will present their nominations.

He also commended President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the recent initiatives taken by the Government, including Viyath Maga appointments to leadership roles.

Pic by Ruwan Walpola