SLPP refuses to budge on symbol

• Says stance on symbol will not change under any circumstances 

The simmering debate on the symbol for the proposed coalition between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) continued yesterday, with Opposition MP Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena saying they will not change their stance on the flower bud symbol under any circumstances. 

Speaking to media at the SLPP Head Office, Abeywardena said the party’s stance would not change, as the flower bud was the symbol popular among the public, and enabled the SLPP to win the Local Government Election.

“The flower bud is the symbol that led the SLPP to victory. We do not want to give that up in a crucial election. We are not ready to change our symbol under any circumstance, as it symbolises protection for every citizen in the country,” he said.

He noted the SLPP had been the driving force in the political arena for the past few years, and that status will remain unchallenged in the future. According to Abeywardena, the SLPP is the only political party that is capable of understanding the needs of all levels of society.

Abeywardena pointed out that the SLPP presidential candidate has presented his ideal on how to develop the economy, and address current issues with the best possible solutions. He noted the SLPP would present practical policies that can be attained in any given situation.

He said the SLPP candidate had shown his capabilities when he was a State official, which proved his potential to lead the country to prosperity.