A faction within the crisis-hit Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), led by Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, held talks with members of MP Nimal Lanza’s ‘New Alliance’ in Madiwela on Tuesday, May 14. Following the meeting, Chairman of Lanza’s New Alliance, MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, expressed expectations of around 70 MPs joining the new political formation, emphasizing the need to address voter disillusionment with existing parties.
Yapa announced plans to establish a new political alliance next month but remained non-committal on endorsing a presidential candidate, stating it’s premature without election announcements and candidate declarations. Regarding leadership and the alliance’s name, Yapa indicated they are currently secondary considerations, emphasizing unity of purpose among participants.
SLFP stalwart Duminda Dissanayake, aligned with the Nimal Siripala faction, highlighted the party’s goal of uniting independent groups in parliament under one alliance. He stressed the necessity for collaboration despite party differences to advance the country’s interests. While no presidential candidate has been decided upon, Dissanayake asserted the group’s commitment to supporting the eventual chosen candidate.