(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday stressed that he would not allow anyone to underestimate of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and if that happens he is ready to show the strength of the party to all.
The leader of the SLFP said he was prepared for a plan of action that would be fair to both the party and the party members and acceptable and satisfactory to everyone.
President Sirisena made these remarks while addressing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) district convention in Ratnapura Sunday (15). The party held its first district convention in Ratnapura district with the participation of a large number of party supporters.
Speaking further the President said when considering the background of the election regardless of the candidate, no candidate can win the next Presidential election without the support of the SLFP.
The President said that the SLFP will face the next presidential election on the strength of the executive as well as the results of a five-year clean program implemented for the welfare of the people.
He said although the SLFP has received invitations from both from the UNP and SLPP for an alliance, no discussions were held with the UNP and the discussions with the SLPP were held giving priority to the country and the identity of the SLFP.
The President said the SLPP MPs had been able to retain their parliamentary seat due to a letter submitted by the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary MP Mahinda Amaraweera. He added that while the top leaders and grassroots level members of the SLPP were grateful for it, it was regrettable that some middle-level MPs had forgotten it.
The President said both the ruling party and the Opposition are currently holding talks with the foreign embassies regarding the election. However, SLFP has no such conditions the President said adding that the would lead the SLFP for a free and democratic country which values own beliefs, traditions and culture and free of corruption and frauds.
SLFP Senior Vice President Nimal Siripala de Silva, General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara, UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera, Duminda Dissanayake, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Thilanga Sumathipala, Weerakumara Dissanayake, Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa, Shantha Bandara Governor Sarath Ekanayake, Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province Dhamma Dissanayake, SLFP organizers and supporters were present at the occasion.
