SF’s party out of mini polls, JVP goes it alone


Source: The Island – by Dasun Edirisinghe
(Pix by AP)

Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka’s faction of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) will not contest the forthcoming local government elections.

DNA President Tiran Alles MP told The Island yesterday that they would not contest the elections, but their ally, the JVP, would contest alone with their consent.

The JVP and UNP joined Fonseka’s presidential campaign, but Fonseka and the JVP had to form the DNA to contest the April General Elections after UNP quit the alliance. The DNA which contested under the Trophy symbol at the general elections, won 7 seats in Parliament including national list slots.

Meanwhile, JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe said the JVP had contested all local government elections in the past on its own under the Bell symbol.

“Our alliance with the DNA will continue,” he said adding that the LG polls could not make or break a government.

Amarasinghe said they were members of the DNA and the decision to go it alone at theLGpolls had been taken after discussions with the leaders of the DNA.

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said just after the 2005 presidential election, at which they supported the UPFA, they had contested the local government election alone while maintaining their cordial relations with President Rajapaksa at that time.

He said the JVP was hopeful of winning the Tissamaharama Pradeshiya Sabha this time too.