SLPP coalition partners are entitled to express their views – PM

by Norman Palihawadana

Coalition partners of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) have every right to express their views freely and fearlessly. The expression of a standpoint doesn’t boil down to disunity within the coalition government as they are entitled to their views, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

Some opposition members are elated as they seem to believe that cracks are appearing in the SLPP just because a partner in the ruling coalition gave expression to his thoughts, the premier noted.

“They are living in a dream world because the SLPP remains united, committed and as strong as ever”, Rajapaksa told The Sunday Island.

Without lending support to ongoing efforts to curb the Covid-19 threat, they are anxiously waiting for the downfall of the government. When a coalition partner expresses his views, they are elated that a collapse is imminent as there’s disunity within government ranks. This is far from the truth, he added.

Asked about underworld fugitives directing criminal operations in Sri Lanka from foreign countries, the Prime Minister said the assistance of INTERPOL (International Police) has been sought to bring them before the law.

“Whether underworld kingpins are in Sri Lanka or operating from other countries, there’s no escape as we are going all out to round them up”, he said.