Former President Maithripala Sirisena says that if an All-Party Government cannot be formed, the next best alternative is to have an election.
Participating in News 1st’s ‘Ilakkaya’ program, Sirisena said that it has been a few months since Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed, and during this period he held multiple talks with political parties on the formation of an All-Party Government.
However, the former President said that although he attended the discussions and meetings, the status of consecutive meetings remain the same.
“What was discussed on Monday was the proposal of a National Council, as a base for the All-Party Government. Some parties opined that there needs to be some form of legality for it. Unfortunately, a majority is commanded by the Pohottuwa. They were of the view that this should not be produced to parliament to give it legality, because it would reduce the powers of the Cabinet,” he said.
Accordingly, the SLPP MPs have claimed that the inclusion of a Council in between the President and the Cabinet will cause confusion.
“I am sad to say that there appears to be no intention on creating an All-Party Government, without thinking about their personal powers, and benefits” he said.
Therefore, the former President said that it is clear, that if an All-Party Government is not being formed, the alternative is to go ahead for an election