Vipkashaye Virodaya, the United National Party (UNP) led joint action group of opposition political parties had temporarily stopped its programs following the critical statements that have been made by the Nawa Sihala Urumaya Leader Sarath Manamendra on Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, informed sources said yesterday.

The UNP’s opposition to Muslim Tamil Alliance leader Asath Sally joining the alliance had been another reason for the stoppage of the campaign of Vipakshaye Virodaya, according to sources.

Nawa Samasamaja Party leader Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne who is also a member of the action group Vipakshaye Virodaya when contacted by Daily Mirror denied these reports and said the leaders of the opposition parties had been active on the back stage.

Accordingly he said the leaders of the parties including the joint group had actually finalized a joint plan of action. This plan of action he said would be officially launched on February 11.

Also he said Mr. Manmendra had met UNP Leader Wickremesinghe and had explained to him what he had told media.

He had informed Mr. Wickremesinghe that his intention was to influence the opposition alliance to take more rigorous action against the government. The matter had been resolved according to Dr. Karunaratne.

He said the Vipakshaye Virodaya was very much in existence as all members including UNP, DPF, Ruhun Janatha Party, Mavubima Janatha Party, Nawa Sihala Urumya and United Socialist Front were working together. (Yohan Perera)