A group of SLFP members are said to be preparing to appoint former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge or Kumara Welgama as their party’s leader, it is reported.
The movement for the protection of the SLFP is said to be heading the campaign to appoint Chandrika Kumaratunge as the party leader.
The Aruna Newspaper reported that several meetings had been held at Minister Mangala Samaraweera’s residence by the movement for the protection of the SLFP.
The movement for the protection of the SLFP is said to be joining the UNF and pledging their support for the UNP presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa.
It is reported that a media briefing to announce their decision to back Sajith Premadasa is scheduled to be held at Mangala Samaraweera’s residence tomorrow (17) at 10.00 am.
According to the leader if the Organisation for the Protection of the SLFP Rajika Kodituwakku, around 100 SLFP electoral organisers would join them in assuring the victory of Sajith Premadasa.
Meanwhile, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge had sent a letter to the SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara on October 14th severely criticizing the alliance with the SLPP.
The former President who had been in London had also met with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe upon her arrival in the country.
During this meeting it had been discussed at length regarding the support of the Organisation for the Protection of the SLFP for the UNP presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa.
Plans to raid Darley Road Headquarters!
Aruna Newspaper further reported that as an initial step to protect the SLFP, they have taken steps to democratically take over the SLFP Headquarters in Darley Road.
Senior SLFP-MP Kumara Welgama had recently stated that the decision taken to support the SLPP was a conspiracy to destroy the party.
Welgama said that in order to restructure the SLFP measures are being taken to hold discussions with SLFP electoral organisers, former provincial and Local Government members and all organisers throughout the country.
He said that the decision taken to support the SLPP is a betrayal of the party and a conspiracy to destroy the SLFP.
According to Welgama, a broad public force would be initiated from the grassroots level in order to restructure the SLFP.
(Mirror)