Duminda contemplates independent list

13 July 2015 04:21 am - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former UPFA MP Duminda Silva, who is unlikely to get nomination, is contemplating the possibility of fielding an independent list. Yet, the UPFA has come under pressure from his supporters in Kolonnawa urging that he be given nominations.

A group led by some Buddhist monks held a protest rally in Colombo yesterday demanding nominations for Mr. Silva.

UNP buoyed by new political front

The UNP, which was somewhat disappointed at the turn of events leading to former president Mahinda Rajapaksa being nominated by the UPFA to contest the general election, was elated after the Jathika Hela Urumaya and a section of the SLFP MPs loyal to President Maitripala Sirisena joined it to form a common political front against the UPFA.

Buoyed by the formation of the United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG), UNPers have sprung into action with confidence. The current political scenario which was least expected even by several political analysts has altered the political equation for the second time before the close of nominations today. First, it happened after Mr. Rajapaksa’s nomination on the UPFA ticket was confirmed.

It is well known that those who joined the UNP to contest the election under the elephant symbol were mainly instrumental in tilting the voting patterns in favour of President Maithripala Sirisena at the January 8 election, particularly in urban areas.

Against this background it is believed that they could tilt the votes in favout of the Good Governance Front at the August 17 general election as well where the front is contesting under a single symbol. The new political front is making every effort to safeguard the aspirations of the 6.2 million people who voted for change and the ouster of the Mahinda Rajapalsa regime. The party leaders who signed the MoU said the forces that unseated Mr. Rajapaksa under the swan symbol, have now been united under the elephant symbol and defeat the Rajapaksa comeback.

If the January 8 voting patterns remain unchanged it will be possible for the Good Governance Front to secure a sizable majority, but political compulsions in the Western Province especially in Colombo may make it difficult to assess how the impact of the new front will trickle down to semi urban and rural areas.

* UPFA sees otherwise

But the UPFA sees the latest move by the UNP in a different light saying it is not an unusual phenomenon.

“Only the MPs, who defected from the UPFA prior to the January 8 election, have struck a political deal with the UNP. Therefore, our vote base remains intact. Besides, we have introduced new faces and infused young blood into our side,” a UPFA politician said.

Former MPs Mervyn Silva, Sajin de Vaas Gunawardane, and Sarana Gunawardane have been refused nominations.

* Basil not in the fray

Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who handled his brother's presidential election campaign has opted not to contest and this means three slots have fallen from the Gampaha district in the UPFA list. Another slot has fallen vacant with former JHU MP Ven. Athuraliye Ratana Thera deciding to support the UNP-led front.

The UPFA nominations lists barring Colombo and Gampaha have been finalised.

* Sudarshani against nomination for three others

In Gampaha, former MP Sudarshani Fernandopulle has opposed nomination to three members of three UPFA allies. The matter was yet to be sorted out.

The UPFA has had to find a new candidate to replace Western Provincial Council member Hirunika Premachandra who quit the party and was nominated on the UNP list.

* Former Navy Commander, Tissa Attanayake, GL, Dayan in UPFA National List

Former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda, Dr. Dayan Jayatilake, Tissa Attanayake and G.L. Peiris are among those being accomated in the UPFA national list. (Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 17

Gota Monday, 13 July 2015 12:51 PM

Lets get a profile of the Buddhist Monks who support Duminda and see what the Mahanayakes have to say.

Sarath Monday, 13 July 2015 04:55 PM

G.L. The Pambaya!

renu Monday, 13 July 2015 04:30 PM

Wasantha Karanagoda is involved in disappearance of People leading a group of abductors and giving orders to them. He is a son of a former priest who gave up robes to marry a girl who was 17 years and schooling at that time . He was the monk who taught Buddhism at Zahira College Gampola , during Budi U Deen era in 1960. Does he deserve anything???

Lawry Monday, 13 July 2015 04:25 PM

They should have nominated GL the God of truth, Protector of the law. The haal massa does not deserve a place in the national list with other traitors and kade giyas.

Green Blood Monday, 13 July 2015 04:16 PM

Shame on Thissa Attanayake .if he contest clean bowled this time.

Nihal Amarasekera Monday, 13 July 2015 02:03 PM

These are only a few of the undesirables. The rest will get defeated in style.

Marsh Len, Tokyo Monday, 13 July 2015 01:40 PM

Wasantha Karannagoda is aiming for a ministerial post under Mahinda mama.

Loku Appu Monday, 13 July 2015 01:35 PM

Hemantha waranakulasuriya, uasaviye kiyapu vediyata,mayyata oluwak thiyenne ba ney aubowan

Coconut Republic Monday, 13 July 2015 01:11 PM

OMG....He remembers everything! !!!

Amila Monday, 13 July 2015 09:56 AM

For a huge defeat, UPFA should give him nomination. As well as other remaining thieves

kamalhot1 Monday, 13 July 2015 12:40 PM

And Laundry.

Calistus Jayatilleke Monday, 13 July 2015 12:31 PM

If the biggest rogue Ali Baba got nominations, then why not this drug dealer as well.

Sincere Monday, 13 July 2015 10:39 AM

UFPA national list is exclusively for those who did the service in the kitchen of the king.

Sikuru Monday, 13 July 2015 10:36 AM

LOL everyone was proven guilty, there is no need to prove as we saw his actions a few years ago, MS is spineless to act against them

Yan Monday, 13 July 2015 10:25 AM

All can dream in different ways.. But all of you will end up in mud.. Stupids....

MAHESH Monday, 13 July 2015 10:17 AM

IF MAHINDA GOT THE NOMINATION WHY NOT DUMINDA ?

Channa Monday, 13 July 2015 10:14 AM

Like many others, nobody could prove that he is guilty. Why no nominations?

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Duminda contemplates independent list

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