SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

25 April 2024 07:48 am - 79 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, April 25 (Daily Mirror) - In its first move for the formation of a broad political alliance, President Ranil Wickremesinghe had a meeting with Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) stalwart Basil Rajapaksa and representatives of other parties and groups, and decided to accelerate political work in view of the presidential election after May Day.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena represented the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna at the meeting. Besides, Ministers Prasanna Ranatunga, Tiran Alles, Harin Fernando, Kanchana Wijesekara, MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Anura Priyadarshana Yapa attended the meeting held on Tuesday evening. Chief of Staff of the President Sagala Ratnayake was also present representing the United National Party (UNP).

The SLPP and the UNP led by the President decided to have May Day rallies separately and merge for an alliance along with other likeminded parties in view of the presidential election after that.

The President will come forward as a common candidate this time and contest the election under the symbol of the proposed alliance.

“The President will not contest under the UNP symbol,” a source said.

UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardane and Minister Alles have been assigned to work out arrangements for the registration of the new alliance under a symbol acceptable to all the parties and groups.

The President is expected to launch the campaign targeting the election after the country secures the third tranche of the IMF (International Monetary Fund) in June, according to the same political source.

In the formation of the new alliance, the political groups led by MPs Wimal Weerawansa, Dulles Alahapperuma and Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) will also be invited.

At Tuesday’s meeting, it was decided to reach out to these parties and groups that defected from the SLPP .

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Comments - 79

Nodaking kalakanni Thursday, 25 April 2024 08:24 AM

Under the new name “ party that bankrupted SriLanka?”

Priyanee Wijesekera Thursday, 25 April 2024 10:14 AM

The country was bankrupted by people like you

Nella Amara Thursday, 25 April 2024 11:40 AM

What ever new sambal or party name its clear they are in power hungry. People never ever will not give the chance. Differently no way. " New name People's Rejected Party "

Can’t remember year 2022 clearly Thursday, 25 April 2024 12:50 PM

Hey #Priyanee- it’s people like u voting these morons over the years enriching themselves and hardly doing anything to develop the country. Either you are being supported by them so you hardly feel the sufferings the average citizen is going thru now. Or a keyboard warrior from overseas not knowing the actual situation in SL .

Gambler Thursday, 25 April 2024 08:24 AM

Unless Sajith agrees to step down from contesting, RW is not going to win a majority as our rural and low income earning voters are stupid and naive. They judge a politician by what tangible thing they give. A takaran sheet, a school bus, a smart board, a Rs20,000 salary increase (2015) are the carrots that win votes. RW does not have a reputation for doing such gimmicks so he will lose.

Jagath Thursday, 25 April 2024 08:29 AM

Good to have them altogether in one place. Can save time when arresting them for crimes against the people of Sri Lanka.

Suhada malli Thursday, 25 April 2024 08:31 AM

What matters more for the country is a 25 year plan and action plans to achieve same rather than the alliance partners. Sadly no voter is demanding for same. The economic advisors of all 3 main candidates - JVP Prof Ajith Jayantha, SJB Prof Rohan Pethiyagoda and UNP (RWs team) are all correctly saying that the country needs a 25 year stable plan of action to which all elected parties at successive elections should adhere to. But none of the parties have so far produced such a plan. Sad to see us voters getting deceived like this. RW will be better remembered in history if he releases such a plan and then lose the election rather than talking of his praiseworthy leadership in the last 2 years (which at the end of the day is also history) We must vote for the future.

Robin Banks Thursday, 25 April 2024 08:32 AM

When NPP comes into power they can book a place in the Welikada country club.

warren Thursday, 25 April 2024 12:07 PM

The "when" will never happen. So, please wake up from your slumber.

Senaka Perera Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:28 PM

NPP will come to power in 2048 with Ranil Rajapakse.. Wake up dude. You are in dream land

Beggars Beliefs Thursday, 25 April 2024 08:38 AM

So Ranil Rajapaksha is a fact...

Amila Perera Thursday, 25 April 2024 12:45 PM

You the 100% accurate

Sambo Thursday, 25 April 2024 08:43 AM

You can come with any alliance or nay party it will be worst than the previous election. The public knows that it's stale wine in new bottles.

warren Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:38 PM

Yes, that includes the JVP guys under the guise of the NPP. The silent majority have not forgotten their antidemocratic and barbarian past.

This is reality Thursday, 25 April 2024 08:44 AM

Both the SLPP and the UNP know that they have no future contesting individually. Hence the alliance. But the country will watch patiently to see the reaction of the breakaway groups. It also proves that in politics there are no permanent enemies but permanent interests.

Something Fishy With This Merger Thursday, 25 April 2024 04:54 PM

Something fishy is going on! They seem very open and confident with this merger announcement. Hope they won’t use the Tri Forces (which they have been pampering over the years) to ensure they stay in power similarly in Myanmar, most African countries, Etc. Just be ready with an open mind as anything can happen guys.

Sokrates Thursday, 25 April 2024 08:55 AM

Suggestion: The new name should be NCA (New Crook Alliance) and the symbol should be a robber face with an eye mask.

Nimal Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:01 AM

An unholy alliance! "Merge with other like minded parties". That is ideal! What they mean by this is that parties that are resolute on fraud and corruption with members of each other protecting the rogues of the other party, irrespective of who is in power as is plainly evident today. The silver lining behind this dark cloud is that together or separately they will not be able to go past that elusive 10% mark.

Sobers Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:09 AM

Am I too cry or laugh?

No Hope For SL if they Get Voted In Again Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:18 AM

Excellent, all in one basket. Will be easier for voters to Vote them Out at one go. Most of the politicians in both these parties are responsible for the economic crisis over the years and made worst during Gota’s SLPP days. They have only uplifted certain people during their tenure but majority of the citizens and country is in dire straits. Hope the people will remember all the previous and current difficulties majority are facing due to these politician’s policies. Major corruption and criminal cases are still not solved and they seem less concern with them.

L Jaya Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:25 AM

This is a "kenda haliyak" of power hungry blokes

Onlooker Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:27 AM

What maneuvering and horse trading for them to enjoy the plums and leftovers for us.

Jude Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:36 AM

Eternally government looking for handouts, loans, grants , when this begging gonna end!!???

Jude Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:40 AM

There's this famous phrase, in politics there's no permanent enemies or permanent friends here's a classic example. THESE Scumbags want to unite to fool the voters again!!

Man Thursday, 25 April 2024 10:38 AM

They have never been enemies but pretended with that "Kauda Hora" episode, etc. That was why the road in front of Sirikotha tarred by Mahinda when a protest was arranged against Ranil by UNP members.

Man Thursday, 25 April 2024 10:38 AM

They have never been enemies but pretended with that "Kauda Hora" episode, etc. That was why the road in front of Sirikotha tarred by Mahinda when a protest was arranged against Ranil by UNP members.

Ama Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:42 AM

The animal FOX is the ideal alliance symbol.

Nimal Thursday, 25 April 2024 10:09 AM

What better symbol fits them so nicely other than this?

Marie Thursday, 25 April 2024 11:05 AM

Spot on!

Jude Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:48 AM

There's bunch of politicians in these two parties, will stoop to any level to gain power. This bunch have no shame, no policies or principles!! They are all low class low-level lowlife Scumbags. The biggest scumbag topping the list is non other than Harin "Backstabbing" Fernando, yeah.

Jude Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:50 AM

The New alliance NOT gonna get More than 2 million votes!!

Don’t Be Surprised with the Unthinkable Friday, 26 April 2024 04:39 AM

Don’t be surprised if they get “voted” in similarly with countries as Myanmar, North Korea and some African countries. With Tri Force at their disposal and always ensuring their welfare at the expense of the average citizens are taken care of. They are well “oiled” and ready for further instructions.

CitizenP Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:55 AM

God Save Srilanka...

Citizens Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:58 AM

Nothing astonishing because birds of same feathers always flop together. Voters are well aware of these moves as these guys are doing their utmost efforts to stay in power as they all their final journey is getting closer and closer to jail

RR Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:58 AM

ALLIANCE ONLY TO GET VOTES. THEY DO NOT SERVE ANY PURPOSE FOR THE VOTERS

JOHAN Thursday, 25 April 2024 10:10 AM

RANIL RAJAPAKSE PARTY

Ruben whise Thursday, 25 April 2024 10:17 AM

One basket or 5 basket it will be a basket case anyway when majority are rot or spoiled it will be a hard task to cheery pick.......beautitful country not much luck with prosperity

joshua Thursday, 25 April 2024 10:30 AM

Greatest news . The voters who supported UNP can easily move away if they think logically. SLPP is the party who bankrupted the country, brought the farmers to their knees, and includes the biggest thieves of Asia. Now it is clear Ranil will do anything to cling on to power even by sitting with rogues. Wake up SL. I do not tell anybody to vote for NPP, but do not vote for thieves and their stooges for the sake of our future generation.

Bernard Jayatilake Thursday, 25 April 2024 10:40 AM

This will be puppet roadshow to hoodwink the unsuspecting masses to trigger another crisis in the country.

AJ Thursday, 25 April 2024 10:43 AM

Both SLPP and UNP are dying parties, due to their proven traitorous approach to nation, double crossing unfaithful politics, deceitful election centered promises that leading public to patiently wait to teach them in election, their alliance is not sufficient enough to keep NPP at bay, whether SP like or not, but he will be forced by subordinates to put his weight with them, at least to slow down the powerful move of huge NPP juggernaut

RR Thursday, 25 April 2024 10:54 AM

RANIL WILL NOT GET MUCH VOTES, HENCE THE ALLIANCE

BuffaloaCitizen Thursday, 25 April 2024 11:13 AM

Broad Alliance to rob the country once again. Remember, robbers will always form an alliance because their single goal is to rob. Honest Governing does will not want alliances specifically with representatives with questionable past, infact they will want strictly such elements to be dropped before an alliance.

Lasantha Jayasinghe Thursday, 25 April 2024 11:25 AM

So all those responsible for the mess are coming together.

Cherath Thursday, 25 April 2024 11:54 AM

Doubt if this Union of Humbugs could even reach 10% of votes casted. People must know by now, (after been taken for pure suckers for decades) that "jam tomorrow" promises are for the goats. The first of these elections will establish a monumental change in SL politics and the class structure in having the leaders who truly stem from the long suffering, hardworking, sincere masses. Right now Ranil is a world away from people who struggle to survive each day.

Asakvlfsdbg;sjgndjgn Thursday, 25 April 2024 11:55 AM

People, enough is enough, lets come in to one decision, which is the NPP should come as a broader alliance, please make sure the Rajapakse alliance should not be in parliment, they should be punished, and must take all their assets, people we should do something different, get them to Galle face, punish them for 30 days, must is a must. finally, i advise all citizens, do not regret this time., we need to change the system.

Volker Metzger Thursday, 25 April 2024 12:21 PM

Even the now emerging fraudulent label with a new name will not save the political cronies of SLPP and UNP, who want to continue the old disastrous policies, from total defeat!!! The two "foxes", Ranil and Basil, are not clever enough to erase the years of painful experiences of the majority of the people with their deceptions and tricks!!! The old corrupt guard of politicians, like their policies, will not escape their political downfall this time, without any real future prospects!!!

Rishan Thursday, 25 April 2024 12:29 PM

Now it is easy for the voters to decide to whom they should cast their vote....

Sam Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:07 PM

Why you guys are worrying about this. If any party joins hands with SLPP it will be the end of their story.

Prof. H.P. Piyadasa Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:24 PM

End of Ranil and UNP when they join with looters and rogues again. Honestly, I thought of voting for UNP if RW contest alone, but no chance as he dug his own pit.

Dr. K.W. Wijeratne Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:26 PM

Is Ranil wearing Tie

D.M. Samarakoon - Principal Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:28 PM

Oh my God, very good opportunity for Sajith to become the next President by this ugly deed.

Lambert Silva Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:29 PM

Thank you RW, BR and MR. Then it's a very easy victory for Dissa.

LJM Bisso Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:33 PM

Mr. Clean and Mr. Bean (Ranil) became Mr. Ugly and Mr. Crazy by joining with Rajapakshes who destroyed our country. End of UNP what a shame.

Banda Iya Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:33 PM

Ranil had chance to get Tamils votes in north and east. Those votes will go to Sajith if Ranil forms an alliance with Rajapkshes.

KP Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:34 PM

We can criticize and blame the politicians.. But at the end of the day we have to choose one. RW is the best of the lot.

Prof. T.M. Duraisingham Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:39 PM

Mr. Wickramasinghe, do you know that when you join with looters and cheaters whether you could get votes for your pockets. Never, Basil

Boru Na ..... Boru Na..... Atha .... Atha..... (Truth) Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:41 PM

Good news - end of Ranil and end of UNP. Now only the fight is between Sajith and Anura Kumara.

Ding Dong Bell [Bell sounds well now] Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:43 PM

Ranil and Basil knows 100% they will lose if they contest alone, but they never thought how the voters will act. Yes, definitely they will find their right people from the other parties.

Grace Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:54 PM

Good Luck NPP. Your political opponents are digging their own grave.

Overseas eye Thursday, 25 April 2024 02:13 PM

I hope this time our voters will be matured enough to vote for the most suitable candidate. Change is mostly needed as we have already witnessed the destruction done to the country by all main parties for past 4 decades

R.M.Munasinghe Thursday, 25 April 2024 02:48 PM

After all birds of the same feather should flock together

Mohamed Burhan Thursday, 25 April 2024 02:56 PM

But "May Day"traditionally and globally from the inception it is born is a day where in Particular Labourers and bel ow category of people cry for their rights along with Trade Unions. Now this day has become politicized to come to Power??

Kapil Deve Palanam Thursday, 25 April 2024 02:57 PM

Many clever people were expecting such a movement to destroy the rest/remains of the country by these thieves, barbarians, bank robbers, pagamen, kappamas and law breakers! Well done - people GET SET THINK

Sr Saman Jayasinghe Thursday, 25 April 2024 03:14 PM

Completely irrelevant - will end up in the dustbin of the history in a few months

Mokan Thursday, 25 April 2024 03:14 PM

Is there a way to ban all the current MP’s from contesting

Citizen Thursday, 25 April 2024 03:17 PM

Whatever the sambol and paan, be ready to eat parippu. For the people who think RW did wonders to reduce the USD. Reason for the USD rates went down. 1 foreign remittance 2 tourism 3 loan re-payment pending 4 vehicle import stopped 5 tax increase 6 fuel price and electricity price increase 7 imf loan Once the time comes to repayment of loan, then will see the real outcome

Man Thursday, 25 April 2024 03:44 PM

@ Citizen; 8. The purchasing power of people dropped due to inflation. So, no demand for US $ for imports. So, definitely, not a skill of Ranil to yell.

Man Thursday, 25 April 2024 03:44 PM

@ Citizen; 8. The purchasing power of people dropped due to inflation. So, no demand for US $ for imports. So, definitely, not a skill of Ranil to yell.

Man Thursday, 25 April 2024 03:44 PM

@ Citizen; 8. The purchasing power of people dropped due to inflation. So, no demand for US $ for imports. So, definitely, not a skill of Ranil to yell.

Man Thursday, 25 April 2024 03:45 PM

@ Citizen; 8. The purchasing power of people dropped due to inflation. So, no demand for US $ for imports. So, definitely, not a skill of Ranil to yell.

last chance Thursday, 25 April 2024 04:16 PM

You all will get together with your cronies but not the people of this country.They have disowned you long ago.

UNITE WITH THE PEOPLE WHO HOUNDED OUT GOTA Thursday, 25 April 2024 04:40 PM

GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR ANURA AND HIS PARTY TO ORGANISE A RALLY OF THE PEOPLE WHO WILL HAVE POSTERS THAT STATE WE WILL HAVE NO RIGHTS WITH RANIL AND HIS ALLIANCES. WE WILL GIVE THE PEOPLE THEIR RIGHTS, JUSTICE AND WIPE OUT CORRUPTION.

Ranjith Thursday, 25 April 2024 06:13 PM

We want a new President and new faces in the parliament not these old faces we are fed up with them, who will vote same old SLPP and UNP mafia who has jointly destroyed our beautiful country and economy.

Nadi Karunaratne Thursday, 25 April 2024 06:28 PM

Ranil is a glove-puppet of the Rajapakse's. This repulsive alliance won't get my vote and they shouldn't get yours.

Lanki Thursday, 25 April 2024 07:30 PM

In case Ranil wins the Presidential election, his government would have more SLPP Ministers, which means Ranil would have technically sold UNP to SLPP as he would not have contested under the Elephant symbol and would not have appointed a higher number of UNP MPs as Ministers.

Sambo Thursday, 25 April 2024 08:05 PM

This is the beginning of the end for both parties. They are both in a sinking boat.

Patcitz Friday, 26 April 2024 01:03 AM

How could it be possible when the SLPP, the people's party, won 2/3rds majority while the UNP secured no single seat in the parliament in the last election, which is called DEAD PARTY- (UNP).

Karunawathie Samarapala Friday, 26 April 2024 10:58 AM

This not Alliance - they are aliens who came to destroy this beautiful country!

dinesh Friday, 26 April 2024 11:23 AM

and the nadagama begins....enjoying every minute of this fiasco...

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SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

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