SLPP to complain to EC on State media

• SLPP claims State media misinterpreted GR’s speeches and not giving equal time  
• Says misinterpretation has damaged GR’s reputation
• SLFP calls supporters to back GR

By Nuwan Senarathna  

Holding a press conference together for the first time since signing their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) yesterday alleged that fair coverage was not given by State media for their presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa and said they would lodge a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) today to prevent such incidents in the future.

Both SLFP and SLPP held a press conference jointly for the first time following the MoU signed last week. United National Party (UNP) MP Ven. Athuraliya Rathana was also presented at the media briefing.

Speaking to media at the Viyathmaga head office in Ethul Kotte, SLPP spokesman MP Dullas Alahapperuma alleged that State media had not given equal coverage for the SLPP presidential candidate that was given to UNP presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa and other presidential candidates.

He charged that some State media organisations had misinterpreted Rajapaksa’s statement that in his view, distorted SLPP candidate’s policies. He argued misinterpretation of Rajapaksa’s statements and SLPP policies might be beneficial for other presidential candidates.

“Some State media organisations report a small part of the entire speech. When they report a small part of the statement that might give different interpretation from Rajapaksa’s full speech. If we compare air time given to Rajapaksa and other candidates in State media, Rajapaksa gets very few seconds comparing to other candidates,” Alahapperuma charged.

Alahapperuma said the SLPP will lodge a complaint with the Election Commission today to prevent any discriminations by State media organisations. He argued Rajapaksa had not slung mud at any opponent, therefore misinterpretation of Rajapaksa’s speeches had damaged his reputation.  

Speaking at the same press conference, SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara requested all SLFP supporters to vote for Rajapaksa as his policies would consist party’s core values. He argued those wish to protect the SLFP should vote for Rajapaksa to form a Government that would be based on the party’s policies.

“The SLFP was formed by late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike to oppose UNP policies. We cannot join or support UNP as the party’s policies are based on different political ideology. Those claim to protect the SLFP are trying to destroy the party and fulfil UNP’s needs,” Jayasekara said.

He pointed out that the SLFP’s decision to back Rajapaksa did not violate the party’s policies and assured the SLFP’s identity will be protected despite them backing a presidential candidate of a different political party.