Presidential poll SLFP to contest with electoral agreement

Pics by Waruna Wanniarachchi  

• if talks with SLPP fail

By Sandun A. Jayasekera

In the event ongoing SLFP-SLPP talks collapse and there is no possibility of forming an alliance, the SLFP will consider means of contesting the presidential poll with an electoral agreement with like-minded progressive forces and other left-oriented parties, UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera said.  

“Although there were a few electoral setbacks in the past, the SLFP is still a mainstream political party and as such it cannot forget its national duty,” he said while addressing the weekly news briefing at the party office. 

“The SLFP will certainly contest the presidential poll with a non-contest agreement with other progressive and left-oriented parties. The JVP can also join it. We have no option but to contest the presidential poll if talks among the two parties collapse. The SLFP Central Committee will select the candidate. Although party leader and President Maithripala Sirisena had not declared yet, he is our candidate at the moment. If we fail to form the alliance, the SLFP will become the kingmaker and it will be politically helpful to keep this in mind by other parties,” he said, while emphasising the SLFP would align with or form alliances only on condition that would protect its standing, dignity and integrity. 

“The primary concern is our voters and supporters. We will not do anything that would compromise our dignity. We make alliances on policy and not on individuals,” he said. 
Commenting on a statement made by S.B. Dissanayake, SLFP National Organiser and former Minister Duminda Dissanayake said SB was wrong when he said he and Dilan took SLPP membership as opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed them as National List MPs. 

“That was totally wrong. The two were chosen from the UPFA National List and the UPFA leader is President Maithripala Sirisena. It was the President and the UPFA they betrayed. Not Mahinda,” he said. “When a politician does not have a policy or dignity, they cannot resort to any heinous act. They are only interested on survival,” he said. 

Says will not do anything that would compromise on its dignity