SLFP to hold decisive meeting on SLPP alliance

• SLFP-SLPP alliance unlikely due to strong stance of symbols
• Says SLPP’s stance on “Pohottuwa” symbol is hurdle for alliance 
• Calls for common symbol for alliance 
• SLFP to decide on abolishing Executive Presidency after elections

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) plans to hold a decisive Central Committee meeting next Monday to discuss the potential of forming an alliance with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) for the upcoming Presidential Elections, SLFP spokesman Weerakumara Dissanayaka said at a press conference yesterday.

The meeting is to be chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena, and will be held at his official residence.

Dissanayaka said that the possibility of an alliance between the two parties were remote, due to disagreements on which symbol the alliance should campaign under.  

“The stumbling block for a common alliance is the SLPP’s reluctance to change the party symbol,” Dissanayaka said, pointing out that both parties have agreed on many other areas, like the Constitution, a common policy and work program, and strategies for the election campaign. 

“If the Central Committee fails to take a final decision, we will have to finally decide whether to join with the SLPP or go our separate ways,” he said.

He claimed that there has been a strong voice from within the SLFP on against using the “Pohottuwa” symbol, and claimed that the SLFP was ready to work under another symbol, leaving behind the party “Hand”, if the SLPP was prepared to drop using the “Pohottuwa”. 

Commenting on the attempts by the JVP and the UNP to abolish the Executive Presidency, Dissanayaka said that the SLFP has not taken a decision on the topic, and will only discuss it post-election.