Opposition political party leaders have failed to come to a consensus about forming an all -party interim government.
They have also not reached agreement on supporting the candidature of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa at the election for president which is scheduled to take place in parliament next week following the desposing of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella told a press conference that opposition party leaders had several rounds of discussions about an all -party interim government but the position which some of them had taken yesterday had changed by today. ‘Most of them are those who became independent from the government. It looks like there will be a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna government and things will continue the way they have been’. He said they will nevertheless continue with talks to find a way out.
In a statement issued today, the SLPP said it will not be nominating anyone for the presidency in the spirit of it wanting to commit to an all- party government.
A short while ago, SLPP parliamentarian Dullas Alahepperuma declared his intention to enter the race for the presidency. It is unclear if he will contest as an independent or from the SLPP.
Meanwhile, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka told members of parliament that the need of the hour when electing the president is to take decisions based on the best interest of the country and not the personal or political interests of any individual or political party. The statement it issued went on to say that MP’s now represent the entre electorate of Sri Lanka and must perform this onerous duty respecting the sovereignty of the people and their wishes and uphold democratic values. ‘MPs must do everything in their power to prevent Sri Lanka from plunging into further chaos and to restore social, political and economic stability.
To read the BASL’s full statement click on:
https://mobile.twitter.com/ViranCorea/status/1547881579791323140/photo/1
