The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), a former coalition partner of the ruling UPFA government, has decided to support Common Opposition Candidate Mathripala Sirisena at the forthcoming Presidential Election, JHU General Secretary MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said.

The former Minister made the announcement at a press conference at Solis Hotel in Pitakotte this morning while the singing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between JHU leader Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thero and Maithripala Sirisena had taken place yesterday (01).

Champika stated that their intention is to help build a political system which creates national unity and is represented by all the political parties in the country.

He, however, emphasized that this is a short-term political agenda which would assist the Common Candidate to do away with the arbitrary powers of the Executive Presidential System within 100 days of being elected and thereby establish good governance.

Champika stated that it is timely essentiality for the country and that it would prove to be a prominent factor in deciding the country’s future path.

In an agreement with the Buddhist political party, Sirisena said that he opposes a proposal from Tamil parties for a federal model granting greater autonomy to provinces.

Maithripala Sirisena also agreed with the JHU to preserve the constitutional prominence given to Buddhism.

Leaders from Tamil parties have proposed making Sri Lanka into a federal state that would grant significant power to widely autonomous provinces.