The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) yesterday stuck fast to their intention to keep the flower bud as their symbol insisting it is the most suitable symbol for the proposed coalition as it is more popular among the public.
SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara earlier said a neutral symbol should be used for the proposed coalition between the SLFP and the SLPP. However, newspaper reports over the weekend indicated that the SLFP had proposed the coalition adopt the chair symbol, which had received a lacklustre response from the SLPP.
Speaking to media at the SLPP head office, Chairman Prof. G.L Peiris said the flower bud is a political asset as it has reached to all level of society.
“Our main objective is to win handsomely so the best suitable symbol for the proposed coalition is the flower bud. It is deeply embedded in the conscience of people and it does not make sense on the eve of the political give up such a symbol which represent an enormous political asset,” Prof. Peiris said.
According to Prof. Peiris, the flower bud is a symbol that has been more close to the heart of like-minded people in the country. He noted the symbol was a more convenient mode to promote policies of both parties have agreed to.
Prof. Peiris openly invited SLFP supporters to join SLPP and back its policies as that would be the best option left for the SLFP supporters at the moment. He noted the SLPP policies are aligned with SLFP policies, therefore likeminded voters would find the SLPP is the right place for them.
“During the discussions with SLFP, both parties had agreed to 25 policies. Our economic, health, education and other policies are all aligned with the SLFP. This means both parties are on the same page, which is a positive sign.”
Citing senior SLFP member Nimal Siripala de Silva, Prof. Peiris said the SLFP could not back the United National Party (UNP) therefore they will have to back SLPP policies, which are aligned with SLFP policies.
“MP Silva had clearly stated at the SLFP convention they will not support the UNP and they will only support a party that aligns with their policies. The SLFP is the only political party that aligned with them, which means we are the best hope for them,” he argued.
(FT)