Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe announced yesterday that the UNP’s executive and political committees had given their approval for the party to hold discussions with other political parties and organisations on creating a joint opposition front.
Speaking in Wellawaya at the launch of the UNP’s election campaign for the provincial council elections in Uva, Mr. Wickremesinghe said the UNP was in discussion with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Mahajana wing (SLFP-M), the Democratic People’s Front and other parties not currently represented in Parliament. Certain civic organisations have also been invited to the discussions.
“We have received two internal reports from the party and are in the process of obtaining other ideas as well. Based on these reports, we will make a common report. This task has been entrusted to the political party leaders,” Mr. Wickremesinghe said.
The Opposition leader said the discussions were focused on current issues in the country and the parties involved were working towards reaching consensus on these issues.
“We should discuss whether we are abolishing the executive presidency or adopting an alternative system,” Mr. Wickremesinghe said. “We are also discussing the country’s economic structure. A market-driven economy that has a responsibility towards society and speedy development projects are some of the issues on which we have reached consensus. Principles and alternative solutions are now being discussed.”
On the subject of devolution of power, all proposals put forward stressed that the country’s territorial integrity should not be compromised, he said.
Education and agriculture also featured prominently on the agenda.
Mr. Wickremesinghe said the common front would have a majority of UNP political committee members. It was also decided that the party symbol would remain unchanged. |
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