Socialist Alliance fully supports President

M.P. Muttiah

The Socialist Alliance, consisting of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Communist Party of Sri Lanka,Democratic Left Front and Sri Lanka Mahajana Pakshaya, fully supports President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Election.

Leaders of Socialist Alliance speaking at a seminar held in Colombo stated the need for re-electing President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the second term. Science and Technology Minister and LSSP Leader Professor Tissa Vitarana said that the Government is committed to a political solution to the ethnic problem.

He said that the All Party Representatives Committee had 126 meetings with the participation of 13 parties, including nine representing Tamils and Muslims, in the initial stages.

However, three parties left from the Committee, he said.

The Minister added that not only two-thirds majority needed in the Parliament but also a referendum was necessary. If the Government could muster a two-thirds majority at the General Elections it would be easy for the devolution of powers to the Provincial Councils. He said under the Framework Legislation the Central Government would have powers but not interference in the provincial administrations.

Prof. Vitarana stressed the need of a Finance Commission as there was no proper funding to the Provincial Councils. He said the Government hoped to introduce a Village Council system, where one would represent 100 families. He added that the Government’s intention was to create a Second Chamber consisting of 75 members in which Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims have their representation. Two committees would be formed to look after the interests of Indian origin Tamils and Muslims.

Referring to the Police Commission, the Minister said that there would be only the National Police Commission that includes all provinces. He added that State land will be vested with the Central Government and the provincial land with themselves.

Constitutional Affairs and National Integration Minister and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka D.E.W. Gunasekera said that no party could form a government without an alliance. At present there were 15 parties in the UPFA, UNP three and TNA three. He said that there was an alliance of the UNP with other political parties called Hath Hawla in the past.

D.E.W. Gunasekera said President Mahinda Rajapaksa did not bow down to western pressures. He added that thanks to China, India, Russia and other developing countries it was possible to eradicate terrorism. It was President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s political leadership and guidance that brought victory over terrorism.

The CPSL General Secretary said that considering the objective conditions and the national, regional and international situation, the Socialist Alliance decided to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Election. D.E.W. Gunasekera pointed out that J.R. Jayewardene’s 6th Amendment paved the way for terrorism in the country.

Socialist Alliance’s General Secretary Raja Collure and several others addressed the seminar.