UPFA to support Maithri’s 100-day programme

The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), which suffered a shock defeat at Friday’s presidential polls, today stated that it will support President Maithripala Sirisena’s 100 Day Work Programme.

Sirisena has pledged to abolish the executive presidency within 100 days and return the country to a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy where the police, the judiciary, and the civil service will be independent institutions.

“People voted for Maithripala Sirisena based on his 100-day programme. People have given their complete consent to it. We would also like if the programme is implemented in that manner. We will provide our complete support on the proposals we can agree on,” UPFA MP Nimal Siripala de Silva told reporters in Colombo.

UPFA Parliamentarian Dinesh Gunawardena, also addressing the press briefing, said that the people of the country expect President Sirisena to implement his 100-day programme and as the MP Group with a majority in Parliament they will support the endeavor.

Nimal Siripala further said that they expect the newly elected President Maithripala Sirisena will appoint a new Cabinet of Ministers and pointed out that it would require a majority in parliament.

“A new Prime Minster has been appointed. We believe they will also appoint a new Cabinet. That requires a majority in Parliament,” he said.