New political party soon a thing of the past: Alagiyawanne

Megapolis and Western Development Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna said the euphoria of attempting to form a new political party by a group of SLFP and UPFA Parliamentarians was steadily and surely dying down and the idea would soon be a thing of the past.

Addressing a news briefing at the information department, Deputy Minister Alagiyawanna said the best indication that the proposed new party will not see the light of day was a pledge made by former Transport Minister and Kalutara District SLFP Parliamentarian Kumara Welgama at the SLFP Central Committee meeting that he would never leave the party.

“Though there are conflicting views among members of the SLFP, they are united and bound by one principle, which is to protect and strengthen the SLFP. Do not forget that the agitation to form a new party comes not from the SLFPERS but from insignificant constituent partners of the UPFA who do not command any vote base. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has already declared that he would remain a SLFPER for ever and would not quit the party,” Deputy Minister Alagiyawanna said.

The people have given a clear mandate to President Maithripala Sirisena by electing him President. Former president and party leader Mahinda Rajapaksa handed the party leadership over to President Sirisena in accordance with what was the custom, and with the approval of the Central Committee, Executive Committee and the Parliamentary Group of the party. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all members and supporters of the SLFP to rally behind President Sirisena to take the party forward and win the forthcoming local government polls, he stressed.

Central Province Transport Minister Ediriweera Weerawardana said the SLFP has now become a truely democratic party which can be seen by the way dissenting and conflicting views are freely expressed within the party with no punitive measures being

Though there are conflicting views among members of the SLFP, they are united and bound by one principle

taken against such persons. “Today, President Sirisena is criticized by some for clamping down on indiscipline within the party and removing those who have acted against party interests. During the time former president Rajapaksa was in charge no one had the temerity to raise a voice when party organizers were removed for no reason. I am a victim of that dictatorial policy but now we enjoy freedom within the party,” he said.

Southern Province Agriculture Minister U.g.d.ariyatilaka said though some say that the SLFP has become a prisoner of the UNP, all party members and organizations agreed to name Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Ministerial candidate at the General Election in August.

He said no one could blame President Sirisena for taking action against wrong doers within the party as it was late Prime Minister S.w.r.d.bandaranaike who first acted against corrupt politicians by appointing the Talgodapitiya Commission and jailing several cabinet ministers in the process.