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SLFP splits in two over JVP issue
By Harinda Vidanage
The SLFP has suffered a major set back with the emergence of two ideologically separate groups in the form of pro JVP-SLFP alliance and a group opposing the alliance amidst a delay in plans to resume negotiations with the JVP.

The two factions are identified as Maithri-Mahinda group and the Anura-Mangala with party General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse organizing SLFP-led campaigns while the other faction spearheaded by Anura Bandaranaike and Mangala Samaraweera wants co-ordination with the JVP to form a popular front. The latter group has taken part in many JVP-led functions.

Despite the appointment of a five-member SLFP committee last Friday to resume negotiations with the JVP, the committee until this Friday had not had a single meeting nor has the JVP been officially informed about the proposed renewed talks.

JVP's propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa told The Sunday Times that they were yet to be notified about the appointment of this new committee to renew talks, but they were going ahead with the newly formed Desha Hithaishi Jathika Viyaparaya or National Patriotic Movement, he said.

'The structure of the new movement will be set up next week," Mr. Weerawansa said. Sections of the SLFP are strongly opposing the new opposition alliance spearheaded by the JVP. A senior SLFPer is said to have made last minute efforts to stop other senior members from joining the JVP's Kandy-Colombo march. He is reported to have told his coordinating secretary to contact the senior members and persuade them not to join the march. Accordingly, some SLFP members had not attended the march while in Kandy Anuruddha Ratwatte, Thilina Bandara Tennekoon were advised not to take part in the march by an SLFP organizer.

The same person had asked some SLFP members to stay away from the Nittambuwa rally leaving only Anura Bandaranaike from Gampaha. Meanwhile, the SLFP, not to be outdone by the JVP, is planning a million-man siege on Colombo to boost the image of the party and the President. The Maithri-Mahinda group is spearheading this campaign.

According to the plan, marchers, including farmer groups, trade unions and Bhikku fronts, would enter Colombo from different routes. The protest campaign is organized under six themes: Protests against the division of the country, financial mismanagement, corruption, misuse of state properties, misleading the public by the state media and political lawlessness in the state.

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