PC polls: SLFP to go it alone in case of unfair treatment

Those who would like to contest the upcoming provincial council election on the SLFP ticket could send in their applications before March 31, SLFP general secretary, state minister Dayasiri Jayasekera said yesterday.

Jayasekera made this announcement, addressing the media at SLFP Headquarters on Darley Road. He said that a large number of people had already approached the party seeking nominations.

Speaking to the media in December 2020, SLFP Chairman, Maithripala Sirisena said that while they looked forward to contesting provincial council elections as a coalition, they would insist on their fair share of seats.

“If we get what we seek, we will contest as part of the ruling coalition. If there is no fair treatment, our party will decide on a solo journey. We are ready for both options.”

Sirisena added that SLFP had ben treated unfairly when candidates were picked ahead of the general elections in August 2020.

“Our party didn’t get a slot in either Kalutara or Nuwara Eliya districts. In Gampaha, we were given only one. In Kurunegala, we were given only two slots. In the districts we are strong, we weren’t given a fair number of slots. We had asked for 30 candidates. Had we been given 30 slots in the last general election, we would have got at least 25 in Parliament. They [ruling party] organised political attacks on our candidates who had been nominated.”