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Dispute over posts delays signing of SLFP-JVP constitution
By Harinda Vidanage
The SLFP and the JVP have delayed the signing of the constitution that governs their new alliance because of disputes within the SLFP over posts, political sources said. The constitution was to be signed on the night of January 20 after the signing of the memorandum of understanding. Though the SLFP central committee met on January 20 evening at the President's House and approved the alliance constitution after making a few amendments, the document was not signed as scheduled that night.

The Sunday Times learns that the JVP officials were to come after the SLFP central committee meeting and sign the document. JVP sources said the JVP had wanted to meet President Chandrika Kumaratunga before signing the constitution on the same day but their request was turned down.

SLFP sources said the delay was linked to a dispute over post of secretary and other positions. They said Mangala Samaraweera, Maithripala Sirisena and Anura Bandaranaike were mentioned as possible candidates for the post of secretary but there was no finality.

Meanwhile, uncertainty still prevails over the attitude of PA partners to the new alliance. While LSSPleader Batty Weerakoon has hit out at the terms of the SLFP-JVP alliance, the Communist Party Central Committee is to meet again today to take a decision.

CP leaders Raja Collure and D.E.W. Gunasekera met the President a day before the signing of the MoU to seek clarification on various issues including the ethnic conflict.

Meanwhile, the SLFP and the JVP have finalised plans for a big public rally in Colombo on Thursday. But JVP plans for a vehicle procession to Anuradhapura have not yet been officially approved by the SLFP though reports indicate that the Mangala Samaraweera, Anura Bandaranaike factions are keen to join it.

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