MR shouldn’t seek office, but support SLFP: Duminda

12 September 2016 10:49 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary Minister Duminda Dissanayake said the SLFP, expects former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, will cooperate with the party rather than seeking office at future elections.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror, the Minister said the party will be reorganised further in the event of its Convention.

“We are in the process of reorganising and restructuring the party to propel it to new heights in politics. We do it by appointing new organisers when and where necessary,” he said.

Q: The Convention was boycotted by the SLFP MPs sitting in the Joint Opposition which is the faction loyal to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Is the party contemplating action against them?

It is not needed actually. I think the rank and file of the party sent a message to them. If you look at the mammoth crowd at the Convention in Kurunegala, it will be easy to determine whether party people stand. They understand where people’s heart lies. It remains with the party, not with a group. The Joint Opposition members can well learn a lesson from this.

Q: Is a SLFP-led government possible without the support of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is popular among the rank and file of the party?

We hope he will support the formation of a SLFP government. Mr. Rajapaksa cannot contest the next Presidential Election due to constitutional bars for it. Also, he does not stand the chance for becoming the next Prime Minister within the remaining period. He has held all positions starting from the MP post to presidency. He has been the party chairman. He is well aware that he has passed his time now.

Since he knows he cannot take over power again, we believe he will cooperate with the party to gain power. He will use his popularity to ensure victory for the party. That is the only option. If he cannot win, he should work for the party’s victory at least. (Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 14

surasena Monday, 12 September 2016 11:13 AM

Mahinda's politics seems to be "all eggs in one basket" and it is the Pradehiya Saba. The government reply would be a "common List" against Mahinda. As in the national politics two parties functions together, why not in the local levels. As the Chairman of Local bodies possess absolute power, a combined effort via a common list will seal the political coffin of Rajapakse's forever. RW and MS shall think this option. If MR needs to form a separate party let him do it, as such initiatives will further strengthen RW and MS political future. Yet, the JVP and other progressive fronts, including media, must keep the check and balances appropriately preventing MS/RW combination engaging ill-politics and their goons doing corruption.

ANTON Monday, 12 September 2016 11:14 AM

HE IS NOT SEEKING THE OFFICE, HE IS DREAMING OF THE PALACE.

Aruna Monday, 12 September 2016 12:12 PM

Why are you who did and do nothing contributed to this country in office?

Tom and Jerry Monday, 12 September 2016 12:23 PM

I am sure All have Seen TOM and Jerry Cartoon..The whole thing reminds me of this Cartoon and I enjoy even at very Old Age

ANTON Monday, 12 September 2016 01:02 PM

YOU MEAN ... " T AND J O ? "

Sharon Monday, 12 September 2016 01:07 PM

To put UNP in power????

shanthapriya Monday, 12 September 2016 01:33 PM

it has to be decided by the people of the country.not by an M.P. who lost at the last gen election in his seat.

REALPATRIAT Monday, 12 September 2016 02:03 PM

NOBODY CAN SATISFY A POWER HUNGRY OLD POLITICIAN WHO VESTED ALL THE POWER UNDER HIS FEET AND LEAD A FAMILY KINGDOM. via DM Android App

REALPATRIAT Monday, 12 September 2016 02:09 PM

POWER POWER POWER . POWER THATS ONLY WHAT HE WANTS . NOTHING ELSE. via DM Android App

Leo Monday, 12 September 2016 02:43 PM

This will prove to the masses MR s greed for power. via DM Android App

usuf Monday, 12 September 2016 02:54 PM

MRs ambition has no limits via DM Android App

dhanu Monday, 12 September 2016 03:15 PM

If MR is a repealed person why are they still hoping his support?

M.O.Daya Tuesday, 13 September 2016 08:22 AM

How can MR co-operating with SLFP put UNP in power? Makes sense if you had asked whether to put JO in power.

usaguy Tuesday, 13 September 2016 11:14 AM

why are you so afraid to take disciplinary action you are trying to eat the cake and keep it. via DM Android App

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MR shouldn’t seek office, but support SLFP: Duminda

Comments - 14

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