National Government concept gains more support

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya backed by minority parties are divided over the proposal on joining the All Party Government proposed by  President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Discussions are currently underway within the SJB and affiliated parties on the proposal.

A section of the SJB members themselves and supporting parties were expressing support for the proposal, but some of the senior members in the SJB were of the opinion that they should not support the proposal as it could be damaging in a future election.

National Organiser of the SJB Tissa Attanayake said that though they were supportive of the National Government concept the government should have separate discussions with parties and take a decision without trying to draw out individuals to join the government. 

Several opposition parties representing minority communities are considering joining an all party national government proposed by the President.

The Democratic People’s Front (DPF) led by Mano Ganesan, All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) under Rishad Bathiudeen and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) led by Rauff Hakeem are currently considering the proposal, and party representatives confirmed. 

DPF Leader Mano Ganesan said they have received the invitation and were considering the matter. He said the party is of the view there should be no hurry to topple the current government at this stage given the present economic difficulties. 

The ACMC’s politburo will discuss the President’s proposal and any final decision will be made by its central committee, ACMC General Secretary Ameer Ali said.  The SLMC is closely monitoring steps being taken by the President and will make its decision accordingly, SLMC Chairman Nizam Kariapper. 

In his letter to MPs, President Wickremesinghe proposed to initiate a broad dialogue to discuss next steps, including the reintroduction of the 19th amendment to the constitution and the Parliamentary Oversight Committee System. 

President Wickremesinghe addressing UNP and SLPP politicians in Kandy elaborated on Saturday about the plan of having a national government 

President Wickramesinghe stated that his objective is to form an all-party government by bringing together all political parties and to commence a new journey in order to overcome the social, economic and political challenges facing the country.