UNP will continue govt; parties that wish may join - Malik

The United National Party (UNP) says that it will continue the government for the remainder of its term, amidst signs the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is set to leave the unity government following defeat at the local government polls. 

The UNP will continue the government for the next two-and-a-half years, UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrema said. The minister added that whichever party that wishes may join the UNP in the government.

He stated that there is no need for a change in government as there is another two-and-a-half-years for the next parliamentary election. 

He said the UNP is prepared to join hands with any political party willing to support the continuation of the government and that even the UPFA led by the SLFP can also work together with the government. 

Speaking to Ada Derana, he said that according to the results of the recently-concluded Local Government election the percentage of votes for the United National Party has not reduced. 

Therefore there is no need for a change in government while the people have not expected a change in the government from that result. 

Meanwhile a special discussion between the UNP Ministers and President Maithripala Sirisena is expected to be held later today (13). 

Speculation has been rife that a section of UNP MPs are calling for the party to form their own government by parting ways with the SLFP led by the President.

UNP sources said they are discussing the possibilities and an announcement can be expected in coming days.

The President’s office also issued a statement last evening that no agreement has been reached with UNP on the future political activities of the government or on forming coalition at local government bodies, where there is no clear cut majority to any side.

The President told a SLFP Ministers’ meeting on Sunday that with the latest results of the Local Government election, he would bring a noticeable change within the next few days. 

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday demanded snap general elections by dissolving the Parliament claiming that the incumbent government has lost its mandate.