The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is currently holding discussions with other centre-left parties in the Opposition on the possibility of forming an alliance under the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) or forming a new alliance altogether to contest the upcoming Local Government election.
Speaking to The Morning, SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara said yesterday (1) that his party is currently negotiating with “independent” MPs, including Dullas Alahapperuma, on the possibilities of forming alliances.
“We have already started negotiations with all the other parties, including the Dullas group, and we are still discussing with them. In the meantime, we are talking to the faction led by Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila as well. There are a further seven to eight parties with whom we are discussing now. We intend to finalise this as soon as possible. We are moving forward as an alliance,” he added.
When queried if the SLFP would form any alliance with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) he said: “No, we will not, because we mean to have a centre-left movement with all other such parties, and not with the SJB.”
When queried on the possibilities of forming alliances to contest at the LG polls, he noted: “We are still in discussions. The process is underway. We are first considering forming the alliance under the UPFA. It is our main alliance and has been a very powerful alliance since 2004 under the betel leaf symbol. If that doesn’t happen, we intend to form a new alliance,” he added.
Jayasekara noted that his party will follow the 25% women’s representation quota and try its best to get as many youths into the nomination list as well.
Meanwhile, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara told The Morning yesterday that the SJB would contest along with other parties as an alliance under the SJB symbol. In response to a query about the parties that are expected to align with the SJB, he said: “That has not been finalised yet.”
When enquired if the SJB expects to form any alliance with the SLFP, he said: “No, we have not discussed it yet.”
The Election Commission is expected to call for LG polls nominations within this week.