National government a gimmick: UPFA allies

United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) Parliamentarian Vasudeva Nanayakkara today criticized the National Unity Government Concept and said it was a political gimmick by the United National Party (UNP) to make the UPFA powerless.

Flanked by Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) Leader Dinesh Gunawardena and Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Leader Udaya Gammanpila, Mr. Nanayakakara told a news conference in Colombo that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe aspires to continue functioning in his post for a longer period by introducing such a concept.

“In the guise of a people-friendly government, the UNP wants to retain power because the present Cabinet was not appointed by the people’s franchise. The UNP only wants to make the main opposition SLFP helpless,” he said.

Mr. Nanayakkara said a UNP strategist Shiral Lakthilake had delivered a speech at a workshop held for Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MPs and this was absurd. He said the current political dominion had overpowered the rule of law.

Meanwhile, commenting on their move to field former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as UPFA prime ministerial candidate, MEP Leader Dinesh Gunawardena said they were not attempting to create a rift within the SLFP.

“Though the SLFP is the main constituent of the UPFA, we must work together. We hope whatever the issues the SLFP may have will be resolved soon. We are simply attempting to lay the groundwork for the victory of the UPFA,” he said.

Provincial Councillor Udaya Gammanpila said the new government was paving the way for the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) to become the main opposition as a goodwill gesture by making the UPFA helpless.(Lahiru Pothmulla)

Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Comments - 17

Azee Thursday, 26 February 2015 06:49

These fellows mainly the former so called Senior Ministersare feeling bad after losing their status and luxuries from January 08th. Hence these noises via DM Android App

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Veda-mama Thursday, 26 February 2015 07:15

VASU THREE WHEELER EKEN GEHILLA APIWATH MODA KERUWA. THAWATH SAERAYAK A-WADAE HARIYANNAE NAHA.

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BuffaloaCitizen Thursday, 26 February 2015 08:59

If their is something called "joblessness" and the inability to do any other job other than opportunity to live off the public purse, these fellows in these photographs are just that.

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Ishan Thursday, 26 February 2015 09:25

I am personally of the opinion that parliament should be dissolved. As the people have tire of this jokers no matter what colour the party is. Most have forgotten as to who sent them and why. With reference to the comment about empowering the JVP, it is not the work of the UNP, it is the results of the action of the entire members seated there. they have continued to show that they are the only one to maintain a policy and the lease hated party for voters. as the Sri Lankan population matures, all should realise that people will judge and vote based on the actions of the candidates. gone are the days where the majority voted based on party So, come April, there will be a lot of new faces in parliament

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kukula. Thursday, 26 February 2015 09:37

good luck old boys, you will be making statements after statements all you life.My advice loin MR in retirement.

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johan Thursday, 26 February 2015 09:40

These are all outdated politicians without policies.Not inSri Lanka anywhere in the world, even the loser lost with one vote difference he is a loser.You cant raise flags for him.More over the votes are secured by the parties notby individuals in an cumulative effort.May be these people are worried about their futureto survive

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mailman Thursday, 26 February 2015 10:19

Its nice to listen to the SLFP talk as the opposition. via DM Android App

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mack Thursday, 26 February 2015 10:41

going buy the way the current government is taking its time to bring those who squandered millions to justice make these clowns look correct in what they say via DM Android App

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MADUKRM22 Thursday, 26 February 2015 10:45

What gimmick !! Wait and see what happens to you and the rest of your collegues when the election results are announced.

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Nihal Amarasekera Thursday, 26 February 2015 10:54

All may be true but MR coming back in whatever capacity just negates the original concept of CHANGE, which was forced on us by he himself.

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CLIVE Thursday, 26 February 2015 10:58

VASU and Dinesh are very matured, experienced and clean politicians.Their thoughts are very important and be respected.

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Kumara Dharmarathne Thursday, 26 February 2015 11:53

Vasu,Dinesh,Mzammil,Thissa,Wimal,Dew and Udaya, you have no political future as you guys see things in a negative way. You have to change that mentality and try to understand good things as good and bad things as bad. Please try to learn American and Japanese politics. Then Sri Lanka people will accept you otherwise whole of your life you have to be hanging on some other party and go before the people. Shame on you.

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de silva Thursday, 26 February 2015 12:15

Apiwa mechcharakal gonata anduwa ethi.Pension eka hambawenawa nam gedarata wela innawa.Den hondatama eti lokkage walge ellila hitiya

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fanam Thursday, 26 February 2015 12:39

You are runining your reputation further by supporting MR regime. You still needing MR shows your mentality.

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Larry Thursday, 26 February 2015 15:18

Tissa Attanayake will be a valuable addition to this group of gropers.

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Suresh Thursday, 26 February 2015 16:10

That baboon Gammanpila is there as well?

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dona Thursday, 26 February 2015 18:25

ane palayan ban. thamuse monawada danne.