SLPP Chairman and 13 MPs become independent

Thursday, 1 September 2022 02:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Prof. G.L Peiris announces decision to become independent during Parliamentary session
Says Govt. not fulfilling its promises made to the people
Warns if social contract between people and MPs erode democratic way of life cannot be revived

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday announced a group of MPs from the party has decided to sit with the Opposition in Parliament as an independent group. Accordingly, SLPP MPs Dullas Alahapperuma, Dilan Perera, Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Prof. Charitha Herath, Prof. Channa Jayasumana, K.P.S. Kumarasiri, Dr. Gunapala Rathnasekara, Udayana Kirindigoda, Dr. Upul Galappatti, Dr. Thilak Rajapaksa, Wasantha Yapa, and Lalith Ellawala have now decided to cross over to the Opposition.

Prof. G.L. Peiris made a special statement in Parliament on behalf of the group of MPs in Parliament yesterday.

“Sri Lanka is facing a series of crises, including the economic, social, and political crises. This is nothing new to Sri Lanka. We have managed to face all including the civil conflict, the Tsunami, and the COVID-19 pandemic. But during these periods, Sri Lanka had the strength of a strong Parliament that represented the mandate of the people. Unfortunately, we do not have that strength today,” he told the house.

The MP said there is a clear disparity between what the people want and the representation within the Parliament, adding that the promises and pledges made to the people back in 2020 ahead of the Parliamentary Elections, are not being fulfilled.

“The SLPP supporters’ aspirations have been destroyed. The Government is doing the complete opposite of what it promised during the election campaign. The social contract between the people and their elected representatives is a core factor in Parliamentary democracy, and it is paramount that it must exist in Parliament. If that social contract is eroding or is destroyed, the democratic way of life cannot be revived,” he said.

Peiris also said if the people want an election, that right must be ensured by calling for an election, adding that withholding that right in fear of defeat is unacceptable.