Time to take action against SLFP breakaway group: Duminda

• Claims action of JO is against Party Constitution
• Says he will propose action in the next SLFP Central Committee Meeting
• Still confident of grass root member support

 Quoting clauses from Party Constitution, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) strongman Minister Duminda Dissanayake said that disciplinary action should be taken against members who participated in ‘Janabalaya Colombata’ protest organised by the Joint Opposition.

“According to the Constitution of our Party, promoting another Party, aiding or helping another Party is not allowed. Those who engage in such action can be expelled from the Party,” Dissanayake told Daily FT.

The Minister, who was appointed General Secretary of SLFP when President Maithripala Sirisena took over the Party after his 2015 January victory, said that he has always maintained that those toeing a different line to that of the Party should be expelled.

However, he claimed that the Party did not take ‘harsh decisions’ against the group with intention of reuniting the Party.

“But we cannot hold them back if they really want to break away. They have been appearing for the new Party and then they took part in the rally. So, now we have to understand that they are no longer members of SLFP,” he claimed.

“I will strongly propose taking action this time. Because, if we are to go forward as a Party, we have to identify loyal members. There is no point in assuming that they are our members when the reality is different.”

Still confident of the loyalty and support of the grass root-level members, Dissanayake claimed that members have been misled.

“The members are just confused. The members need to ask if Mahinda Rajapaksa can continue now. Why do we have to focus on just one leader? What Mahinda Rajapaksa should understand now is that he should be an advisor and give the younger generation a chance,” he said, stressing on the need to rally supporters based on policy, not individuals.