Will the SLFP remain or leave the government?

COLOMBO (News 1st); Nobody will make the decision for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to leave the Government, and it will be a decision taken after discussions between the SLFP and the President himself, says the Deputy Chairman of the SLFP, Mahinda Amaraweera.

Speaking to media on Monday (10), SLPP and SLFP members expressed opinions on whether or not the Government would lose its 2/3rd majority as a result of its own factions criticizing the Government. 

Citing the reports of the former President himself criticizing the Government, the State Minister of Transport, Dilum Amunugama stated that it is not an issue for the Government, and the assistance of the SLFP is not necessary for a party that was able to elect the President and the Prime Minister.

Speaking further, the State Minister reminded that the SLPP is a party that rules with an additional one seat at the Parliament and that they do not need a 2/3rds majority to govern.

"Mark my word, just because they are part of the 2/3rds majority we cannot be patient every time, they will finally leave us," 

he added, speaking to media. 

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Mahinda Amaraweera stated that the SLFP is not owned by anyone, and is a party that assisted in forming the Government,

"It was the President who we supported and formed a Government which obtained 2/3rds majority with our assistance," 

Furthermore, the SLFP Deputy Chairman stated that the party came and joined with the Government based on the request by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

"We don't let anyone make a decision about us on joining or leaving the Government, it will be a decision that we will make," he added.