By Sandun A Jayasekera

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will show cause for not expelling from the party nine rebels who allegedly violated the party’s constitution and joined the government in support of Ranil Wickremesinghe’s regime in the next few days, General Secretary of the SLFP, former Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said yesterday. 

He told the Daily Mirror that SLFP rebels have been suspended from the party following an inquiry held by the Central Committee and the Politburo of the SLFP but not called for explanation for their betrayal.  “We have now decided to call for explanation from them for their action. After they tender their explanations, we expect to appoint a committee of inquiry to consider their side of the story and action to be taken against them,’ Mr. Jayasekara said.Commenting on comments that have been made by the SLFP members who have defected, Mr. Jayasekara said each and every time the SLFP held discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the party has categorically told him that if ministerial positions are offered to the SLFP, they must be to the party and not individually.

“We were in agreement with  President Wickremesinghe that the SLFP leadership was to decide on who will be chosen for cabinet and state ministerial portfolios. But nine members accepted ministerial positions or supported the government at crucial debates in Parliament and voted in favour of the government ignoring the SLFP decisions. Therefore, the SLFP has decided to take appropriate action against them,” he added.

The nine rebels of the SLFP who joined the government are Nimal Siripala De Silva, Mahinda Amaraweera, Duminda Dissanayaka, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya Shantha Bandara, Dr. Suren Raghavan, Jagath Pushpakumara and Chamara Sampath Dassanayake.