No camp could grab presidency without support of SLFP - Duminda Dissanayaka

By Sandun A. Jayasekera

The SLPP Presidential candidate must give an assurance that he would abrogate all agreements detrimental to the national interests and national security if there are any signed with the US and would not go ahead with the proposed SOFA and ACSA in the event of him being elected to the Presidency, National Organiser of the SLFP, Duminda Dissanayaka said.   

No camp would be in a position to grab presidency without the support of the SLFP. That is why, President Sirisena, the SLPP and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa had a discussion on Monday with the aim of forming an alliance led by the two parties, he added.   

Addressing the weekly news briefing at the party office, Mr Dissanayaka said no one could trample or destroy the SLFP. If the SLFP is to enter into a political no-contest agreement with the SLPP, the SLFP must have a clear knowledge of the policy, programme, vision and mission of the proposed alliance.   

“We cannot hang on to the tail of the SLPP. We will join the alliance with dignity, a clear-cut policy and political agenda. Today, the voters are concerned not about individuals but policies and political programmes. We need to make the people win, not individuals. The politicians, the civil society and the media talk much about setting up of US camps in Sri Lanka. But the SLFP does not want camps not only from the US but from China, India or any other power” Mr Dissanayaka stressed.

   
Mr Dissanayaka said no party or politician must change his or her stance on foreign policy and say ‘no’ to a particular country or organization while in the opposition and change that position after coming to power and say ‘yes’ to what they opposed earlier.   

Responding to a journalist, Mr Dissanayaka said the SLFP would not participate in the SLPP convention on Sunday.   

Referring to certain comments that had been made by Mr Dilan Perera on him, Mr Dissanayaka said the entire country knows who is ‘Haraka’ and who is ‘gona.’   

“He is a deserted animal discarded by all political parties, desperate to find his political roots and points the accusing finger to all those who are not in agreement with his ideology,” Mr Dissanayaka said.

Mr Dissanayaka said no party or politician must change his or her stance on foreign policy and say ‘no’ to a particular country or organization while in the opposition and change that position after coming to power and say ‘yes’ to what they opposed earlier