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Welgama slams critics of new party

08 Jul 2021

  • Claims nothing can stop an SLFP exodus

By Buddhika Samaraweera   Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Kumara Welgama claimed that no force could stop the members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), and all anti-Government leftist forces who have now become helpless due to the conduct of the Government, from joining the New Lanka Freedom Party (NLFP) led by him. The SLFP on 7 July filed a petition with the Election Commission (EC) alleging that SLFP and SJB members were being misled by a political party that is going to be registered under the Leadership of Welgama misusing the SLFP name. When contacted by The Morning to inquire about the petition, Welgama claimed that there would be no issue with the Party registration. “I have been a SLFP-er for 40 years. We are the real owners of the SLFP. Those who are there at present are those who recently joined the SLFP from different parties. Therefore, no one can take away my right to speak about the SLFP and to represent its members,” he opined. Alleging that the SLFP was currently moving in the wrong direction, Welgama said that it was his responsibility to protect its members. He further said that arrangements have already been made for the establishment of a broad force where all those who are unhappy with the SLFP, the SLPP, and any other political party could join. Speaking to the media after meeting EC officials, SLFP General Secretary and the Batik, Handloom, and Local Apparel Products State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said that Welgama had handed over documents to the EC to register a new political party by misusing the name of the SLFP, and thereby misleading the Party members. “During the last General Election, he received votes from the United National Party (UNP) and SJB members in the Kalutara District. He is also a member of the SJB. In such a situation, it would be a great injustice for those who voted for him, if he were to leave the SJB and form another political party,” he claimed. Adding that Welgama first joined the SLPP, then the SJB, and now is going to form another political party, Jayasekara said that as the SLFP, they would continue to implement the SLFP policies in the same manner as had been originally intended. “Welgama has no right to use the name of the SLFP, or any other similar name, as it is a serious offense under the law and we therefore have submitted our objections in this regard to the EC,” he noted. Welgama launched a new political movement called the NLFP on 6 March 2020, and the launch of the Party was held under the theme “A Clean Bandaranaike Policy”, a reference to the late SLFP founder S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike.  


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