UNP internal rift beneficial for SLPP: Dilan

Thursday, 5 March 2020 03:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says UNP divisions can be used to secure 150 seats in Parliament
Claims Ranjan’s voice records will be added advantage

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday said that they are confident of securing 150 seats in Parliament, aided by the rift within the United National Party (UNP), which has been warring for months over positions and the symbol to contest the General Election.

Speaking to media at the SLPP head office, former MP Dilan Perera said the rift within the UNP had created an opportunity for the SLPP to obtain a two-thirds majority in Parliament at the General Election. He claimed the constant disagreements within the UNP discouraged its supporters. “The UNP’s internal battle will be beneficial for us. This will be an additional advantage for us. The public are also fed up of the UNP due to their poor performance during the last four and half years as the ruling party,” he said.

Dilan Perera

Perera said the recent controversial voice records of former lawmaker Ranjan Ramanayake, which circulated on social media, negatively impacted the UNP reputation. He predicted Ramanayake’s voice records would also impact voting patterns at the General Election.

“When an individual like Ramanayake joins with former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, it will be a disadvantage for them. The floating voters will make the final call, which eventually will be an advantage for us,” he claimed.

The former lawmaker also claimed the development initiatives of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa were able to increase the confidence of the public, and said that this would lead them to vote in favour of the SLPP to form a strong Government.

“President Gotabaya Rajapaksa introduced a new political culture to the country. The change we all expected is a reality now. People will vote to form a strong Government to deliver all the President’s promises, as they are aware of the need of a strong Government,” he added.

Speaking at the same press conference, former MP S.B. Dissanayake said a SLPP Government would take appropriate measures to take action against those responsible for the bond scam. He assured they would take legal actions against all of those responsible for the bond scam. However, Dissanayake said they would give space for law enforcement agencies to conduct independent investigations.