DLF to remain in UPFA for local Govt polls

By Chamodi Gunawardana

One of the constituent parties of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the Democratic Left Front (DLF), yesterday said that it would remain in the UPFA to contest the upcoming local government elections.

DLF General Secretary MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara stressed that proposed ideas to create new political alliance would be useless.

“Some constituent parties of the UPFA stated that they expected to come up with new parties. If we create new fronts it will be an advantage for the United National Party (UNP). I believe contesting under the same alliance will be more effective,” Nanayakkara said.

“According to the party’s constitution, the UPFA party symbol belongs to President Maithripala Sirisena. Therefore we would be unable to retain the betel leaf. In that scenario we could use an independent symbol offered by the Election Commissioner. However, the party name will be the same,” he explained.

Nanayakkara also stressed that they would never betray the UPFA by joining hands with the UNP.

“The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MPs who joined with the Government to enjoy ministerial positions were rejected by UPFA supporters. We do not want the same treatment,” he emphasised.

Commenting on the leadership of the Opposition, Nanayakkara stated: “We handed over a letter to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya with 56 signatures regarding a nominee for the Opposition Leader post. However, he ignored our proposal and nominated another candidate. We will raise our objections when the Parliament next assembles.”  

Vasu claims MS created National Government by force 

Democratic Left Front (DLF) General Secretary MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara yesterday claimed that President Maithripala Sirisena created the National Government by force. 

“The President obtained the Chairmanship of the SLFP improperly and abused the powers of the position in order to control the UPFA. He wanted to stick us inside the National Government’s fences,” he charged.

“By referring the last debates of the Parliament anyone can understand that the UPFA and UNP couldn’t be on the same track. We have absolutely opposite policies. President Sirisena cannot use us to do what he wants,” he said.