• Claims group would not change course even if they are removed from Parliament

In the wake of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) having decided to remove incumbent Opposition Parliamentarian, Prof. G.L. Peiris from his post as the SLPP Chairman, SLPP-elected and incumbent Opposition MP Dullas Alahapperuma claimed that the SLPP is planning to abolish the parliamentary positions of the group including himself, and assured that they will never betray the programme against the current Government to protect their positions.

Speaking at a media briefing, he said: “The SLPP will remove Prof. Peiris from the Chairmanship, they will also abolish our (the group of MPs who recently left the SLPP and since function as Opposition MPs) Parliamentary seats. They will take decisions against anyone who opposes their dictatorial course. However, it is a blessing and strength for us. It is not a reason to lose strength. The people will admit that we have fought a principled battle against injustice. Therefore, we will not become traitors by giving up our programme just to preserve our positions as MPs, and to stay in Parliament for two more years.”

He also commented on the structure of the SLPP: “There are political parties in many other countries such as India, the United Kingdom and the United States, but SLPP is totally different. It is not a party which has a Constitution, executive committee, all-Ceylon committee and central committee. We were under the impression that that particular person is the SLPP National Organiser. However, it was only during some court proceedings that we came to know that there is no such national organiser. Let alone deceiving the country, the party has misled its members.”

SLPP General Secretary, MP Sagara Kariyawasam said on Saturday (4) that SLPP's Executive Committee had decided to remove Prof. Peiris from his post as the SLPP Chairman, following a decision taken unanimously by the said Committee. He said that although Prof. Peiris was invited in writing to attend the meeting during which the decision was taken, the latter did not do so. He also said that the SLPP's Executive Committee is to meet this week and take a decision regarding the appointment of the new Chairman.

When contacted by The Daily Morning, the office of Prof. Peiris said that the latter would express his views regarding the SLPP's decision at a media briefing to be held today (6). 

During a recent interview with The Daily Morning, Prof. Peiris said that when it comes to the Chairmanship of the party, the SLPP could decide on a change in keeping with the Constitution. “It must be done in accordance with the provisions of the SLPP Constitution. That is not an issue, but if any attempt is made to remove me or any of the members of our group from membership of the party, we will very strongly resist it in courts. That is because the party has no right to do that. We are absolutely confident that the party will not succeed in such an attempt.” he said.