Nava Lanka Freedom Party claims 75% of progressive forces with it

By Sirimantha Rathnasekera

The Nava Lanka Freedom Party (NLFP) has the support of 75 percent of progressive forces, party leader Kumara Welgama said on Thursday at an event to appoint 100 new electoral organisers.

Among those who were appointed electoral organisers are former ministers Nandimithra Ekanayaka, Priyangani Abeyweera, Milroy Fernando and Jayatissa Ranaweera, former Chief Minister Peshala Jayarathne, and ex-Kaduwela Mayor G.H. Buddadasa.

“These are all experienced politicians. We were trained by the best including former PM Sirimavo Bandaranaike. It’s our duty to teach the future generations of politicians. We are a new party and the journey is tough. However, if we work hard, we can win,” he said. Welgama said that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is irrelevant, and people only talk about the United National Party (UNP) because of President Ranil Wickemesinghe.

“The Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) has some standing with the people, but they didn’t take advantage of the anti-government protests. So, we have a good chance. The youth expect a system change. People abhor corruption. If a politician is free of corruption, people will embrace him or her,” he said.

Welgama said the National Council must not be a tool to protect the Rajapaksas. President Ranil Wickremesinghe is controlled by the Rajapaksas, but he can dissolve the Parliament in early 2023.

“We must be ready when that happens. If we act now, most of our people will win at the general election. We must be open and critical. We must have internal democracy. I always tell our organisers to criticise me. Nothing good comes out of flattery,” he said.