No crossovers from SLFP

• 21 MPs who were in the coalition government to sit in Opposition
• Decision taken by President based on policy differences

By Chathuri Dissanayake

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) parliamentarians yesterday decided that they would not support the United National Party (UNP) Government, ending days of speculation over possible crossovers.

“We discussed the issue with the President and he said we should not remain in the Government and that is our final decision,” SLFP Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara told Daily FT.

The 21 SLFP parliamentarians who remained in the coalition government till its abrupt end on 26 October met President Maithripala Sirisena last evening to discuss their future course of action ahead of today’s parliamentary sitting. Speculation was rife on the next move of a number of SLFP MPs since former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s announcement to relinquish his claims to the premiership last Friday. A number of senior SLFP members were expected to cross over to support the UNP Government now being formed. The idea to cross over as a group was also floated at the SLFP meeting held last Friday evening with the President, however, the final decision was left to Sirisena.

However, the President has instructed his party members not to join the Government as they were unable to support the economic agenda of the UNP, Jayasekara said.

“They are planning to sell national assets like the Mattala Airport and we are also opposed to the East Terminal deal, and if we end up in the Government we will have to bear part of the responsibility. This is something we cannot agree with so we have decided to stay in the Opposition,” he said.

The decision was taken with the view of the next election campaign where the party needs to distance itself from the criticism associated with the Government’s economic program which involves the long-term leasing out of a number of state assets including strategic infrastructure projects. 

The party’s National Organiser Duminda Dissanayake, who was the subject of much speculation during the crisis, was also present at the meeting and is expected to support the decision, Jayasekara said.

The UNP membership held conflicting views regarding SLFP crossovers, with the majority of party members being opposed to the idea. However, a few members were open to selectively accepting crossovers, acknowledging the need to form a government which commanded a strong majority in the House. The party was ready to accept individuals crossing over to the Government’s side but was opposed to any of them making demands.

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