SLPP's Divergent Views on Alliance with Ranil

COLOMBO (News 1st); MP Namal Rajapaksa, National Organizer of the Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), participated in a discussion led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The meeting aimed to establish control over local government bodies where the National People's Power does not hold authority.

When asked if the SLPP agrees with Wickremesinghe's leadership in this initiative, Rajapaksa stated, "Ranil Wickremesinghe is a former President of this country. When he calls for a discussion, we have a responsibility to express our party's views and share our opinions with the group. Clearly, we stated that in the coming period, we will make our political decisions in line with our policies and in accordance with public opinion in each council. We made this clear."

Regarding the SLPP's previous withdrawal due to disagreements with Wickremesinghe, Rajapaksa clarified, "We discuss with the party, not individuals. All these people represent the opposition, which means they represent the anti-government political camp. On another note, I believe my main responsibility is to unite the left-wing political camp."

However, Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam, General Secretary of the SLPP, expressed a different view. He stated, "We believe that establishing control through such an alliance is not necessary as a party. We see this as merely the beginning of a broader goal to establish control over the country's governance in 2029. Therefore, at this stage, we will act in accordance with the public opinion of the local government bodies and respect their views, rather than forming alliances to establish control."

When asked about the Flower Road discussion led by Wickremesinghe, Kariyawasam responded, "Parties that accept these policies, including the United National Party and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, can come together there. However, as a party, we have always stood with left-wing parties. We will move forward with our policies, and we cannot join forces with individuals or parties holding opposing policies to establish control."