"SLFP will not support any candidate linked to UNP" - Nimal Siripala de Silva

Colombo (News 1st): Parliamentarians Nimal Siripala de Silva and Dayasiri Jayasekara attended the media briefing convened at the SLFP headquarters today (August 6). Senior Deputy Chairman of the SLFP Nimal Siripala de Silva said with responsibility that their party will act as an opponent of the UNP in the future. He noted that they will not support any candidate linked with the UNP. Adding to this General Secretary of the SLFP Dayasiri Jayasekara said that in the coming days, they hope President Maihtripala Sirisena and Mahinda Rajapaksa will discuss and arrive at a decision. He said any further action will only be taken after this. Nimal Siripala de Silva noted that the SLFP must go forward retaining and protecting its identity. When questioned if there was a meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and Mahinda Rajapaksa last night, Dayasiri noted that the duo are holding discussions. He said they can't reveal anything until the president gives them a word. He noted that they are aware that there was a meeting last night and said the president will meet a group of their MPs this evening to discuss the results of yesterday's discussions. Journalists also questioned if Mahinda Rajapaksa is a member of their party. Dayasiri Jayasekara noted that he currently serves as a UPFA MP and an advisor to the SLFP. A question was then raised as to what decision SLFP will take if the rumour on Mahinda Rajapaksa obtaining a membership from another party on the 11th becomes a reality. MP Nimal Siripala de Silva noted that as they cannot act on assumptions, he said they will be patient until all details are revealed to the public. Journalists then pointed out that G.L. Peiris had mentioned yesterday that Mahinda Rajapaksa will take over the party leadership. Responding to this de Silva noted that the SLFP must take a practical decision in this regard. He said there are certain laws that can be fully complied with, however, they did not take any decision against the 55 who went to the flower bud party. He added that they will refrain from actions that will strengthen the UNP. When journalists queried if that the decision should be practical rather than constitutional Nimal Siripala de Silva said the law should always be practical. Journalists also questioned if this does this not give rise to concerns regarding the post of the Opposition Leader. He responded noting that the Speaker decides on the post of the opposition leader and on the other hand, there are just a few months left. He added that there is no need to make changes for such a short period, therefore, they should proceed as it is.