Seven-member committee to decide on DNF's policy - Minister Senaratne

A seven-member commitee has been appointed to decide on the policies of the proposed Democratic National Front (DNF) which is to be centred on social democratic principles, Minister Rajith Senaratne said today (Aug 29).

Addressing a press briefing, Minister Senaratne said he would head the committee which would comprise parliamentarians Patali Champika Ranawaka, Kabir Hashim, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Mano Ganesan, Rishad Bathiudeen, and Nizam Kariappan from the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.

He added that matters concerning the constitution of the United National Party (UNP)-led alliance had been finalised this week.

Accordingly, it had been agreed that the Secretary of the DNF would be a person nominated by the UNP, while the DNF Secretariat would be based at an independent location and not at the UNP headquarters in Sirikotha.

He further said that members of the other parties in the alliance would be appointed as electoral organisers of the Front.

Minister Senaratne explained that a leadership council would be formed in the DNF and would be chaired by the leader of the United National Party.

Responding to queries posed by journalists, the Minister stated that the Front and its presidential candidate would be announced on the same day next month.

"We have already held discussions with more than 100 civic groups and 20 registered political parties on forming the alliance," he said.

The DNF was expected to be formed on August 5 but had been postponed after opposing views were expressed regarding its proposed constitution.