Maithri-Mahinda discussion ends in stalemate; no resolution on key issues

Thursday, 7 May 2015 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

So near yet so far?

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa greets his successor President Maithripala Sirisena before the duo sat down for much-hyped talks in Parliament yesterday, ending weeks-long speculation. The meeting of minds was the first since the 8 January presidential poll – Pic by President’s Media By Jayashika Padmasiri The first round of talks between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa ended yesterday without either party arriving at a conclusion with regard to any of the key demands. Nevertheless, a decision was taken by both parties to hold discussions further at a future date. The meeting, which the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) said was held to establish peace and unity within the party and to strengthen it, lasted for about an hour and was held yesterday in Parliament in the presence of SLFP Parliamentarians Nimal Siripala de Silva, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Rajitha Senaratne, Duminda Dissanayake, G.L. Peiris, Bandula Gunawardena, Dullas Alahapperuma, Kumara Welgama, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, M.K.D.S. Gunawardana and Faiszer Mustapha. SLFP General Secretary Anura Priyadarshana Yapa issuing a press statement soon after the conclusion of the meeting said that the five key topics that were discussed during yesterday’s meeting comprised the next prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming general election, dissolving of Local Government bodies, strengthening the United People’s Freedom Alliance and contesting under the UPFA during the election, giving nominations for the election, and the accusations levelled against the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) where some politicians have accused it of being politicised. In relation to the FCID matter, a decision was taken to halt the activities of the FCID from being politicised and to amend the gazette accordingly. Yapa added that although a satisfactory understanding was not reached regarding these key points, a decision was made to present these issues to the party’s Central Committee. He also stated that everybody in the SLFP wanted these discussions to continue and that the party would work towards victory in a united manner. Yapa revealed that President Sirisena had emphasised on the need for all SLFP members to act in a disciplined manner, especially in relation to SLFP Central Committee decisions. Meanwhile, Minister Duminda Dissanayake speaking to the media after the event revealed that the first round of talks were successful and assured that there would be no split within the SLFP. The Daily FT learns that President Sirisena had declined Rajapaksa’s request to be given the prime ministerial candidate post as Sirisena had stated that it was the people who should make that decision. Sources also indicated that Rajapaksa’s request to halt ongoing FCID investigations was also declined.