A discussion between the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and representatives of 31 non-parliamentary political parties was held today (11) at the party headquarters under the chairmanship of its leader, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Chairman and former President Maithripala Sirisena.
Representatives of Liberal Party, Janatha Arunalu Party, Nawa Sihala Urumaya, Eksath Lanka Podujana Party, Jathika Peramuna, Muslim Ulama Party, Dravida United Liberation Front, Sri TELO Party, Lanka Janatha Jathika Party, United Lanka Janatha Party, Workers’ Liberation Front, United Ceylon General Assembly , New Democratic People’s Front, United Sri Lanka Front, People’s Party of Indian Origin, Democratic United National Front, Mawbima Jathika Peramuna, United Congress, Our Jana Urumaya, Progressive Janatha Sevaka Party, Helabima Janatha Party, Mawbima Democratic Party, Eksath Lanka Janabala Front, United Democratic People’s Party, United Freedom Party, People’s Development Party, Social Development Party, and Sri Lanka Progressive Front were present at the meeting, according to a report in Lankadeepa.
Speaking to the media, former President Maithripala Sirisena said that he had invited several fellow political parties who wished to join the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) for the discussion.
Responding to a question from the media on how to contest in the forthcoming elections, the former President said that the matter has not been discussed as there is no election to be held soon.
The General Secretary of the United People’s Freedom Alliance, Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera stated that they hope to work with parties that are not represented in Parliament in the future.
Mr. Amaraweera said that they would abide by the decisions taken by the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the United People’s Freedom Alliance in any forthcoming election and that they are ready for any election.
The Minister said they know that the people are disappointed with the government, adding that although some members of the ruling party have made some statements against the SLFP members, they do not care what the people in the background says as there are no such allegations from the government leaders.
“We, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, joined the government with 1,710,000 votes, trusting in the President and will take the necessary decisions in due course,” he said.
Senior Vice President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa, Party Treasurer, State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna and National Organizer State Minister Duminda Dissanayake were also present at the occasion.