Asian Tribune is published by World Institute For Asian Studies|Powered by WIAS Vol. 11 No. 398

Opposition Looks for a Slogan for General Elections

Thu, 2010-02-04 03:55 — editor

Sri Lanka

By Anjana Jayashan in Colombo

Colombo, 04 January, (Asiantribune.com):

Mass Media Minister Laxman Yapa Abeywardena.at a press briefing held in Colombo yesterday, hinted that the Parliament will be dissolved just after the 62nd Independence Day celebrations.

Minister reiterated that the United People’s Freedom Alliance government is seeking a constitutional amendment which comes with a change to the present system of electing members to the parliament. “Still, the Government is waiting for a positive note from the opposition regarding this and otherwise the Government would decide to dissolve the Parliament”, he added.

Minister Abeywardene also added that at a fresh election, the ruling Freedom Alliance’s target is a two third majority and the results of the just concluded presidential election has paved the way for it.

The Media Minister also said he was surprised to hear that the main opposition – the United National Party (UNP) is to oppose the results of the Presidential Election which was concluded on January 26. He also reminded that the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasingha made a statement thanking the general public for assisting to conduct a peaceful, free and fair election.

‘But surprisingly, the opposition is organizing “Sathyagraha” campaigns and protest campaigns against the election results”, Minister Abeywardena added.

Minister emphasized that the Commissioner of Elections has clearly said that he stood by the results of the elections and e also did not hesitate to appear even in a court of law, if someone challenges. Minister said that what the UNP is trying to do is to find a slogan for the general election as they had bankrupted.

Minister further said that the United Peoples Freedom Alliance is busy with three nomination boards to select the suitable candidates for the general elections. “We have planned to introduce a number of new faces this election too”, the Minister added.

“As soon as the general elections were over, the provincial council elections will be held in Northern Province”, the Media Minister added.

- Asian Tribune -