SLPP ‘Back benchers’ launch new group

A group of SLPP members who have been elected to the Parliament for the first time have launched a new group claiming that their objective is protect the government as well as fulfilling the promises given to the public.

Thirty nine members calling themselves the backbenchers of the SLPP were present at a joint press conference today . They said four more due to join them were unable to attend the event as they were present in Parliament while another member was not well.

The group was launched in the backdrop of  Minister Wimal Weerawansa calling that President Gotabaya Rajapakasa should be made the leader of the SLPP.

But the members said the launch of the group was not connected to the comments made by Weerawansa.

“We were planning to launch this group earlier, but it had been delayed”, MP Sanjeewa Edirimanna said.

Among the others who addressed the press conference were Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, Dr Ranjith Bandara, Sampath Athukorala, Lalith Ellawala, Kokila Gunawardena and K.P.S. Kumarasiri.

Political sources said that the group was working under the guidance of SLPP National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa.

(Pix by Indika Handuwala)