11 April 2022 07:50 am Views - 6214
The meeting between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the parliamentary group of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) ended without any conclusion on the formation of an interim government to quell present political unrest in the country and find solutions to the economic woes, Daily Mirror learns.
However, the two sides agreed to have another round of discussions after the New Year holiday.
The SLFP group led by former President Maithripala Sirisena called on the President for the second time.
The meeting centred on the points envisaged in the letter sent to the president by the SLFP, the independent group of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the 11 party alliance.
According to informed sources, the President told the SLFP that he would agree to implement only the points acceptable in terms of the Constitution. Earlier during the day, the SLFP and the other two parties had a meeting with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on the formation of an interim government He ruled out the possibility to set up a national executive council since there were no constitutional provisions for it. Also, he raised doubts whether the opposition would genuinely support the government in the event of an interim government inclusive of all the parties. Besides, earlier during the day, the SLFP and the other two parties had a meeting with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on the formation of an interim government.
However, an SLFP source said Mr. Premadasa insisted on unseating the government through the no-confidence motion. There was no agreement in this regard and therefore talks ended without any solution. The SLFP has also written to the JVP seeking talks. (Kelum Bandara)