MR addresses SLPP issue with SLFP

Colombo (News1st) - A group of provincial councillors of the Kandy district, met opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa today (9 August). The meeting took place at the opposition leader's official residence at Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo today. The following discussion took place prior to the arrival of the opposition leader UPFA MP Susil Premajayantha stated that since they failed to form a government, they joined the party for a period of two years. He further mentioned that G.L.Pieris was a member of UNP when Mahinda Rajapaksa was elected as the president during his first term. He brought the situation of Bernard Aluwihare who was the first secretary of the SLFP to everyone's attention and state that a majority of the SLFP would join the flower bud whereas around 4 or 5 members would join the UNP. The meeting was attended by MPs Susil Premajayantha, Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Dilum Amunugama. Opposition Leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that they have distanced themselves from the SLFP because of their alliance with the UNP. He further stated that they have no other issue with the SLFP and do not see any obstruction to work together either. "We request everyone to work together", he continued. Meanwhile, the opposition leader met several TNA representatives from the Batticaloa district this morning.