UPFA to vote against the National Government

Colombo (News1st): The parliamentary group of the United People's Freedom Alliance unanimously decided today (Feb 5) to vote against the proposal on the formation of a National government by the United National Party. Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa chaired the parliamentary group meeting of the UPFA at the Parliamentary complex this morning. At the meeting, parliamentarians said there is no need for the proposal to be taken up for debate in parliament this week, and they agreed to use their vote against this proposal. The leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella handed over a proposal to form a national government to the Speaker, seeking approval of parliament to increase the number of cabinet ministerial portfolios. According to the Leader of House, the debate on the proposal is scheduled to be held on the 7th of this month. Speaking to the media General Secretary of the SLFP Dayasiri Jayasekara said that MP Ali Zahir Moulana contested separately under the Muslim Congress and now the national government is being formed through his inclusion. He noted that this is not a national government and described it as an illegal national government. MP Jayasekara said they have joined hands with a number of other parties and are taking steps to unite and defeat this proposal. He stressed that if members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party or the United People's Freedom Alliance vote in favor of this proposal steps will be taken against them. Journalists questioned him about the president's decision if the proposal is passed in parliament. He noted that the decision will be taken at that particular time. He noted that the president stated that he is against the proposal. If the national government is passed in parliament MP Jayasekara noted that there are many things they can do before the implementation. He noted that they are currently in discussions regarding these steps. He said that SLFP members can not join the national government as it is a decision they must take as a party.