Opposition party leaders met in Colombo today under the theme “Protecting Democracy, Rule of Law and the Sovereignty of the People”.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in a message sent to the meeting, said opposition parties must unite to successfully face the challenges currently emerging in the country. He noted that there was no alternative to unity if the opposition was to succeed. The message was presented by UNP General Secretary Attorney Thalatha Athukorala.
Former Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said there was a strong need for a joint programme among opposition parties to address serious political issues while fully protecting the identity of each party.
United Republican Front leader and former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said the government, which he claimed was suffering from incompetence, was targeting capable individuals.
Former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and former ministers including Prof. G.L. Peiris, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Mahinda Amaraweera, Duminda Dissanayake, Udaya Gammanpila and Tiran Alles attended the meeting.
Parliamentarians Dayasiri Jayasekara and Mano Ganesan, former MPs Asanka Navaratne, Premanath C. Dolawatte and Ajith Mannapperuma, SLPP media spokesman Sanjeeva Edirimanna, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, UNP General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala and UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena were also present.
The main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) did not attend the meeting. (Newswire)
