UPFA, a strong alliance

Lakshmi de Silva

The SLFP requested all political parties in the Opposition to join hands with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and develop the country under his leadership.

Agriculture, Mahaweli Development Minister and SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena told a press conference held at the Mahaweli Centre Colombo yesterday, President Rajapaksa was a leader with a strong personality and even the international community was also aware that no one in the Opposition had such leadership qualities. “There were internal crises both in the UNP and JVP. We are aware of the divisions and disagreements that had arisen within the Opposition but those who love the country should rally round the President to bring in rapid economic development,” he said.

Minister Sirisena further said the SLFP had always formed strong political alliances and the UPFA was a strong alliance with a unity as a political camp led by President and we could face any election with the confidence of winning as the people were aware of the achievements and victories of the UPFA. The SLFP had united with other political parties when national issues arose and it had coalesced with parties like LSSP, CP, and the MEP. But their political programs were different and we came together to implement a common program agreed upon by ourselves without having to change party policies. We also coalesced with the JVP and in 2006 we invited the UNP to cooperate with the Government,” he said in reply to a query. “We invite Opposition parties to join President Rajapaksa who not only was able to defeat terrorism but was also winning the economic war. For instance under his leadership rice production in the country grew by 26 percent in 2008. “All those who love the country should not remain in the weak Opposition but should join with us to achieve further victories for the country,” he said.