Ranil, Chandrika, Sobitha Thero, Fonseka and Arjuna on same stage for a common agenda; Sama-samaja, Communist and alternative group also to contest
(November 10, 2014, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) National Leader of UNP Ranil Wickremesinghe said that his party would support the proposals including the annulment of the Executive Presidency put forward by the National Movement for Just Society.
UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe announced his party stand in a meeting organized by the convener of the National Movement for Just Society Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera today in Colombo.
Addressing the same meeting, Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera said if the government does not react clearly to the proposals put forward by his movement, it has decided to field a common candidate for the forthcoming presidential election.
Sobhitha Thera added that everyone despite differences, should get together and select a dependable common candidate for the upcoming Presidential election.
UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe expressing his views stated that everyone has agreed to abolish the Executive Presidency, form a government which will be answerable to the parliament, implement the 17th amendment in addition to introducing a Ratio and First-past-the-post system instead of the preferential vote system.
Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike has also sent her greetings to the meeting and it was read out by Attorney-at-law Upul Kumarapperuma.
The letter read that she extends her fullest support and blessings to the alliance which was built with the aim of abolishing Executive Presidency, empowering the 17th amendment and the rights of the citizens as well as forming a democratic government system.
Meanwhile Democratic Party Leader Sarath Fonseka said that his party would support the National Movement for Just Society if it fields a candidate.
He said that contesting as a common candidate is akin to being sentenced to gallows and that they intend to support a common candidate only when their conscience can accept the candidate’s history, abilities and the mentality.
Democratic People’s Party Leader Mano Ganeshan, National Unity Front Leader Asad Saaly and Moubima People’s Party Leader Hemakumara Nanayakkara also participated.
At the same time, representatives from New Democratic Party, New Sihala Urumaya, Ruhunu People’s Party and United People’s Front also participated.
Besides, several civil organizations including Free Media Movement, Scholars Collective for a Just Society, Federation of Trade Unions, Lawyers for Democracy, University Association for a Just Society, Former MPs’ Guild, Pensioners Collective for Just Society and Lanka Private Bus Owners Federation participated in the meeting.
Although JVP and JHU representatives did not participate in this meeting today, alternative groups of the Lanka Samasamaja Party and the Communist Party participated.
