SLFP-SLPP talks on Budget vote inconclusive

Friday, 5 April 2019 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Maithripala Sirisena

UPFA parliamentary group meets under auspices of President Sirisena and Opp. Leader Rajapaksa
Two sides to meet separately today to decide on how to vote in final Budget vote
SLPP adamant to vote against Budget, SLFP on the fence

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

Talks between the two factions within the main opposition United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) parliamentary group held last evening in Parliament failed to reach an agreement on how they would vote today in the final vote on the Appropriation Bill scheduled for today.

The group meeting was held in the Parliamentary complex jointly by President Maithripala Sirisena who leads the SLFP and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa who is the de facto leader of the SLPP.

UPFA lawmaker Dayasiri Jayasekara talking to media soon after the conclusion of the group meeting held the group of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MPs will meet separately to take a decision and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) would take a call based on that decision before the vote is taken this evening.

It is learnt that the President Sirisena has highlighted the importance of building broad coalition between the SLFP and the SLPP in order to win the forthcoming Presidential Election. However, UPFA lawmaker Mahindananda Aluthgamage was adamant that they should vote against the Budget 2019. (AH)

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.