UNP to back TNA-UPFA agreement

17 May 2011 08:24 pm Views - 7575

By B.M.Murshideen

The United National Party (UNP) assured the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) that it would support the latter in its talks with the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) regarding a solution to the country’s ethnic problem.

TNA MP M.A.Sumanthiran told Daily Mirror that UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has assured the TNA that his party would give its fullest support if the TNA and UPFA reach an agreement.

“Our leadership has kept the UNP informed regarding our talks with the government” Mr.Sumanthiran added. The meeting between the TNA and the UNP were held on Monday evening at the Opposition leader’s official residence at Marcus Fernando Mawatha in Colombo.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, UNP National Organizer Ravi Karunanayake and MP Lakshman Kiriella represented the United National Party, while TNA leader R.Sampanthan and MP Sumanthiran participated on behalf of the TNA. 

Mr. Sumanthiran also pointed out that the government delegation had put off the meeting to discuss the devolution of power on three occasions. “We have clearly told the government that this is not the correct time to discuss the creation of a senate. Priority should be given to the subject of devolution of power. They have accepted our position now” Mr.Sumanthiran added.
 
The next meeting between the government and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is scheduled for June 23.