UPFA to discuss presidential candidacy with SLPP

Friday, 23 August 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says meetings with SLPP and SLPP presidential candidate to happen separately soon

United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera yesterday said they will discuss their presidential candidacy plans with Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the party’s presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera

Amaraweera, speaking to media at Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headquarters in Colombo, said they expected to have discussions with the SLPP in the very near future. However, he said that even though the SLPP has nominated former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa as their presidential candidate, as he does not have the SLPP party membership, the UPFA will have to hold talks with him separately.

“The intention of our party is not to ensure individuals win. The aim is to create a policy framework that will result in the development of this country, and be part of the implementation process. We have created such a policy framework that concentrates on the key requirements of the people,” he added.

Amaraweera says the policy framework includes limiting the Cabinet of Ministers to just 30 members, creating a system where preferential votes do not lead to disagreements among party members, and corrupt people are not given nominations. He also said policies on how to build a national economy, increase local production, reduce foreign debt, and promote sustainable development have been included in the framework.