Yapa-led group in talks with SLPP to run together at local elections

By Aruna Bogahawatte

The People’s Alliance (PA), led by Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, is in talks with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to form a powerful political alliance for the upcoming local government elections.

Yapa confirmed that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has already decided to contest the elections under the symbol of the People’s United Front, with support from several other political parties.

To strengthen the opposition, the PA has established a leadership committee and is engaging in discussions with various parties to build a new coalition. Internal sources indicated that talks have been held with Namal Rajapaksa, the national organizer of the SLPP, although no significant progress has been made as of yet.

In addition, over 25 former MPs, ministers, and state ministers have joined the PA’s revival under Yapa’s leadership. The alliance, which includes a faction of the SLFP led by Nimal Siripala de Silva, the “New Alliance” of MPs like Nimal Lanza, and several other groups, was officially formed on August 14 in Colombo.

The PA has announced its leadership structure, with former State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna appointed as General Secretary and former State Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake as Treasurer. The alliance plans to contest the elections under the symbol of the ‘chair’.