Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The New Lanka Freedom Party and the 43 Brigade formed an alliance yesterday to face the upcoming local government elections.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) forming the alliance was signed by the leaders of the two parties Kumara Welgama and Patali Champika Ranawaka. Ranawaka’s 43 Brigade was formerly a coalition partner of the main Opposition party the Samagi Jana Balawegaya led by Sajith Premadasa which has now lost the former’s support for the Local Government polls expected to be held in March.
Speaking to the media, following the signing 43 Brigade leader MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said the movement was not formed with the intention of converting it into a political party or targeting elections.
However, given the country’s situation and bankruptcy, Ranawaka said the 43 Brigade will now be transformed into a new political party following the elections in March. “We will align with like-minded parties going forward,” he said.
Ranawaka said the upcoming polls will be a democratic opportunity for the people after the bankruptcy of the country on 12 April 2022. “The President and the Government at the time were deposed by the people. But the persons linked to the same Government are now attempting to maintain their power through parliament and local councils despite the embarrassment and shame they were subjected to.
“We see this election as yet another chance for the people to voice their opposition to Mahinda Rajapaksa and those linked to him,” he said. “The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLPP) that bankrupted this country must be politically defeated at this election,” he added.
Also expressing his views, MP Kumara Welgama said the parties hope to provide the necessary experience and training for youth who wish to enter politics. He said the newly formed alliance will ensure no corruption or violence takes place in the country.
