A
Committee was appointed yesterday to promote "cooperation" between
President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The committee, appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena, comprised of John
Seneviratna, Dilan Perera, T. B. Ekanayake, Kumara Welgama, Anura Priyadarshana
Yapa and Susil Premajayantha.
The
decision was arrived at during special meeting of SLFP parliamentarians,
Provincial Councillors and SLFP organizers held at the Foundation Institute
under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena.
The
meeting was organized to discuss about the 20th Amendment and the party's way
forward ahead of a crucial national level election.
Addressing
the meeting, President Sirisena asserted that he would not allow any party to
divide the SLFP. He said the party should face the next Parliamentary election
with unity and cooperation.
UPFA
MPs, such as, Dilan Perera, Lakshman Seneviratne, Bandula Gunawardena, Kumara
Welgama and Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia Mayor Dhanasiri Amaratunga spoke during the
meeting.
MP
Kumara Welgama, responding to the President, said the party could only win the
forthcoming Parliamentary election if the former President joined hands with
the present President.
"In
this day and age, people vote for the candidate and not for the party. For
instance, no one knows the name of the party under which President Maithripala
Sirisena contested the last Presidential election. They only know the candidate
and his symbol. At this point, our supporters want Mahinda Rajapaksa to come
for the Parliamentary election. People prefer him," Welgama said.
He
also said that the No-Confidence Motions should be given priority before the
20th Amendment to the Constitution. He said the Opposition Leader should take
the responsibility for present issues with regard to the No-Confidence Motions.
"No one points the finger at President Maithripala Sirisena as he had no
involvement in the No-Confidence Motions," Welgama said.
However,
Welgama told media that nothing was discussed about giving Prime Ministerial
candidature to former President Rajapaksa.
However
it is learnt that the committee will primarily do a coordinating job between
President Sirisena and former President Rajapaksa,
-
Asian Tribune -
