Maithri to re-enter active politics in 2020

By Sandun A. Jayasekera

State Minister of Industries Dayasiri Jayasekara yesterday confirmed that former President Maithripala Sirisena would enter Parliament only after contesting from the Polonnaruwa District at the forthcoming general elections.   

Minister Jayasekara while pooh-poohing the media speculation that Mr. Sirisena attempted to enter Parliament immediately after retirement through the UPFA national list by persuading a national list member to resign added that former President Sirisena would enter Parliament only through the general election expected in mid 2020.   
Responding to the media after assuming duties as the State Minister of Industries at the old Industries Ministry complex in Slave Island yesterday, State Minister Jayasekara said the SLFP has not yet decided on how the SLFP would contest the Parliamentary polls despite the SLFP coming to an agreement with the SLPP earlier to contest the election as an alliance called Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna with the chair as the symbol.   

“We will let you know pretty soon how we are going to contest the general election. Please be patient until then. I can’t say for whether we contest the Parliamentary polls as an alliance or under what symbol as yet,” Mr. Jayasekara who is also the General Secretary of the SLFP told journalists.   

In reply to a question by Daily Mirror, Minister Jayasekara said SLFP members of the government would never be concerned on the posts they receive from the government as their main objective was to serve the people and save the country from the current mess.   

State Minister of Youth Affairs Duminda Dissanayaka who is also the National Organiser of the SLFP said the SLFP was happy to ensure the victory of president Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential poll with its 1.5 million odd votes.   

“We have done our job by sending the previous government home. What we now want is to serve the people fulfilling the pledges given to people. We did not support President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to get cabinet posts,” he added.