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CBK's moves will split party, warns old guard
By Harinda Vidanage
Senior members of the People's Alliance have expressed concern about moves by President Chandrika Kumaratunga to take action against SLFP members who plan to vote in favour of the 19th Amendment.

They have pointed out that any disciplinary action could lead to a split in the party and said all steps should be taken to speak to the MPs individually and prevent a rift.

The warning from senior members comes in the wake of the PA now deciding to campaign against the 19th Amendment, without moving any counter amendments as proposed earlier.

SLFP stalwart W.D.J Seneviratne told The Sunday Times that he was also in favour of the counter amendment since if disciplinary action is taken against MPs who vote for the 19th Amendment a party split is imminent.

He said he was approached by Mr. Richard Pathirana to vote in favour of the amendment which he declined but added there may be MPs who will vote for it.

The President had earlier appointed a committee including Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse, Anura Bandaranaike, Susil Premajayantha and Lakshman Kadirgamar to advise on how to counter the 19th Amendment.

The committee had recommended a counter amendment which included curtailment of the President's powers to dissolve Parliament, in order to avoid confrontation with the government and maintain party unity.

This recommendation had been accepted by the President. But at the last parliamentary group meeting held later the President had changed her mind and decided to oppose the 19th Amendment. She went further at the Central Committee meeting held on September 16, wanting disciplinary action taken against members who vote in favour of the amendment and at the district leaders meeting held two days later she said all rebel MPs will have to be expelled from the party.

Sources close to the Opposition leader told The Sunday Times the parliamentary group led by Mangala Samaraweera had influenced the President to change her stance. The source said this group was trying to use this issue and gain ascendancy in the party.

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