DM calls for party unity

By Uditha Kumarasinghe

Former Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said divisions in the SLFP should be eschewed and the party should move forward as a united entity under its leaders.

The former premier said at present the challenge faced by the SLFP-led UPFA coalition is that all its leaders should unite, irrespective of differences.

When people-friendly leaders join hands, those at the grassroot level would also unite and strengthen the party. The trend on the part of the people is to follow popular leaders, the SLFP veteran said.

If both SLFP factions unite, the party will move forward. They should express their views to the masses by inviting them to rally round the party, he said.

“The breakaway- trend in the SLFP can be witnessed even today. During its history, divisions arose within the SLFP, but those who quit the party came back later. At present, divisions can be witnessed in the SLFP. Looking at past experiences, I hope these SLFP factions would join hands in the near future.”

“Those who wish to join the UNP-led Yahapalana government should have the freedom to do so, while the other SLFPers could remain with the Opposition.

There were similar situations in the past too. However, the government should be allowed to run the country.

The SLFP could re-organise itself and return to power,” he said.