SLPP to ink MoUs with 18 JO dissident groups on Friday

   In preparation for the presidential poll, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will sign memoranda of understanding on Friday with 18 political parties that are currently outside the joint opposition, a party official said yesterday. 

SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris told a news conference that its National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa held talks with these parties last week. “Among them are parties based in the North and the East such as TMVP led by former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pilleyan,” he said.    

Commenting on the nomination of a presidential candidate, he said someone with the ability to win should be handpicked for the purpose. 

“The only yardstick should be the ability to win. Other arrangements such as sharing of perks should be secondary. The SLPP will have another round of talks with Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on July 25,” he said.