SLPP dissident group of 11 parties says no to proposed violent protest tomorrow, instead urges Parliament to vote out incumbent regime

Dissident SLPP group won’t back tomorrow’s protest and warns of “Arab Spring’ style project The erstwhile SLPP constituent, the Jathika Nidahas Peramuna (JNP) has urged the people not to fall prey to those planning to mount a violent campaign similar to ‘Arab Spring’ meant to undermine the incumbent government.

The JNP, in a statement issued in the wake of the Mirihana protest, emphasised that the dissident SLPP grouping, comprising 11 political parties and groups, were not in any way involved in the countrywide protest planned tomorrow (03) against the government. The rebel group consists of the Democratic Left Front, the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, the National Freedom Front, the National Congress, the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, the Sri Lanka Mahajana Pakshaya, the Vijaya Dharani Jathika Sabhawa, the Eksath Mahajana Pakshaya and the Yuthukama civil society organisation.

Acknowledging that the country was facing the worst post-independence economic crisis, the JNP politburo reiterated that the 11-party grouping urged all lawmakers represented in Parliament to defeat the SLPP in the House to pave the way for a new political journey. The JNP insisted that the grouping didn’t seek petty political mileage by pursuing a hidden political agenda. The JNP group comprises six lawmakers, including one National List slot.

JNP leader Wimal Weerawansa denied social media reports that he would back Sunday’s protest. The former Industries Minister explained that though political parties, civil society and the ordinary public enjoyed the right to protest, tomorrow’s protest posed a danger as Organisers were not known. The JNP asserted that the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) seemed to be involved in the project as both its leader Sajith Premadasa, MP, and Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, MP, were to participate in the protest. (SF)