New coalition among SLFP, two breakaway groups of SLPP to contest local polls

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Uttara Lanka Sabawa (ULS), and Nidahas Sabawa, would join forces with another party represented in Parliament to form a coalition to contest the coming Local Council election, leaders of the parties said, addressing the media at the Elections Secretariat, yesterday.

ULS member MP Wimal Weerawansa said that they would announce the name and the symbol of the new coalition on Monday.

“The work is almost done. We are all here together. More groups want to join us, and we will establish the broadest coalition,” he said.

When questioned by a journalist whether they would contest under the ‘hand’ or ‘betel leaf’ symbol, ULS’s Udaya Gammanpila said that they will not use a symbol that had been previously used by a party or a coalition.Meanwhile, SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said that they will reveal more details on Monday.

“We will then make deposits for the election and nominations will be made,” he said.