Front Page

Front Page

SLFP-JVP coalition talks at “If” villa
By Harinda Vidanage
“If”, a US$ 200 per night private seafront villa at Talpe, South of Galle owned by a Hong Kong resident was the venue where SLFP strategists led by former Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera and JVP leaders are crossing the 't's and dotting the 'i's of a final document for a grand coalition to topple the UNF government.
JVP Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa and other JVP leaders have been making visits to 'Operation If' which is occupied by Mangala Samaraweera who is heading the task force.

President Chandrika Kumaratunga is reported to have asked for a common SLFP-JVP action plan by the end of this month. JVP's Wimal Weerawansa told The Sunday Times that they hoped to sign an MoU by mid-May.

The SLFP parallel to its effort to merge with the JVP is trying to alter the power balance of the parliament in efforts to go for a possible regime change by encouraging the formation of independent groups to wrest the majority away from UNF government.

The SLFP efforts to form independent groups in parliament by splitting the pro-government SLMC are already underway. The independent group phenomena will create a situation where no party will have a majority and SLFP sources said that they are expecting eight UNF parliamentarians to defect to their side by June.
These sources said President Kumaratunga is adopting a hands-on approach to the latest efforts herself.

"It is under such a pact that she will call for fresh elections", SLFP sources said. JVP sources told The Sunday Times that they have already handed over a draft proposal on a common work programme for the installment of a new SLFP-JVP government.

The JVP has complained about the prolonging of negotiations and called for an accelerated effort by the SLFP prompting the President to personally oversee this operation.

SLFP sources said the "post-UNP government work plan" will include the President as a negotiator or main facilitator of discussions. The SLFP is hoping to conclude these negotiations by May 20.

The President has appointed two committees to deal with Economic Affairs and Ethnic Affairs in a government of the SLFP-JVP alliance. The two-member Economic Affairs committee includes P.B Jayasundara and the Ethnic Affairs committee is headed by a senior advisor to the president.

The signing of the JVP-SLFP MoU is expected to be followed by a mass rally to celebrate the grand merger -- with the President in attendance, SLFP insiders say.
The JVP-PA 'Probationary Government' in 2001 lasted less than two months before elections were called and the UNF clinched a narrow victory at the December polls that year.

Back to Front Page