• Claims will discuss their economic revival plans with SJB and UNP
• Blames Rajapaksa’s and SLPP for the plight of Sri Lanka

The United Republic Front (URF) yesterday (9) vehemently denied reports suggesting a strategic meeting between its Leader Opposition Parliamentarian (MP) Patali Champika Ranawaka and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) founder Basil Rajapaksa.

Amidst the reports which claimed that Ranawaka has allegedly sought the SLPP’s assistance to run for the Presidential Election, the URF General Secretary, Bandula Chandrasekara, responding to a question by the Daily Morning yesterday (9), refuted the reports and asserted the party’s stance against forming any alliance with the SLPP.

Chandrasekara emphasised the URF’s commitment to addressing the current economic crisis gripping the nation and revealed that the party has drafted a comprehensive programme aimed at reviving the country’s economy and has presented it to mainstream political parties, including the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). However, Chandrasekara expressed disappointment with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) for declining discussions with the URF, citing their refusal to engage with other political parties.

Commenting on the political and socio-economic landscape in Sri Lanka, Chandrasekara stated that the SLPP was also responsible for the current crisis as much as the Rajapaksa political family. “We have drafted a programme to revive the country from this economic crisis. We presented it to mainstream political parties, such as the UNP and the SJB. But the NPP did not meet us informing us that they will not hold discussions with political parties. But we decided that we do not meet anyone from the SLPP as we believe that the SLPP should be responsible for the current crisis,” he added.

Moreover, the URF General Secretary reiterated the party’s unwavering stance against forming any alliance with the SLPP and the Rajapaksa family, citing their alleged involvement in exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the country.

Several attempts made to contact SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa and General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam proved futile