Mahinda will split SLFP without our help - Senasinghe

Deputy Minister of Power and Renewable Energy, Ajith P. Perera, says that the comments made by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa regarding the proposed constitutional reforms are “unbelievable” and somewhat “laughable”.

Referring to Rajapaksa’s speech at the Abeyarama Temple in Narahenpita on Sunday (17), he charged that the former President does not even know that the Executive Presidency and the election system are within the constitution.

“This is unbelievable. A cause for laughter. We don’t like to laugh because he is the former President, a current MP and as a lawyer we consider him a senior,” Perera said addressing a press briefing in Colombo today.  

State Minister of International Trade, Sujeewa Senasinghe, who also addressed the media, said that a certain group engaged in “bankrupt politics” are attempting to espouse racism, create instability in the country and that when those fail they will try to form new parties and split existing parties. 

He alleged that this group had earned money through unlawful means, engaged in robbery and thuggery and that they are against a new system as they are vying to get back to that system. 

Responding to a question from journalists regarding reports of a new party being formed by a section of the UPFA, the UNP Parliamentarian said that politically it is favorable to the United National Party (UNP).

“There are signs that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party will split into pieces. However, we are not the kind to help that.”

“But Mahinda Rajapaksa will carry out that task without our help,” he claimed.

He stated that it is the duty of the SLFP members to safeguard their party.

On the Embilipitiya incident, the State Minister said that they too have question regarding certain actions of the police during the clash. “We can see wrongs committed by both parties involved.”  

“Only an investigation can determine what actually transpired,” he added.

Senasinghe assured the family members of the victim and others involved that the government will do its utmost to implement the law.