Mahinda Amaraweera and Keheliya Rambukwella on the future of SLFP

Colombo (News 1st): With the appointment of a new president, what will be the plan for the future? News 1st spoke to Mahinda Amaraweera and Keheliya Rambukwella in this regard, after the swearing-in ceremony of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Journalist: Will Parliament be dissolved in the near future? Mahinda Amaraweera: As far as I know, we cannot dissolve parliament just like that. The official tenure of the present parliament must end. Thereafter, a parliamentary election will take place. We hope to contest the election as an alliance and obtain state powers. Journalist: Until the official tenure of the present government ends, how will Gotabaya Rajapaksa deal with the present government? Mahinda Amaraweera: The President will make a decision in this regard soon. Journalist: Will former President Maithripala Sirisena remain in politics in the future? Mahinda Amaraweera: Former President Maithripala Sirisena continues to hold the position of Chairman of this party. We will support him in the future. He will engage in politics in the future, and will provide his support to the new president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Speaking to the media Keheliya Rambukwella noted that the citizens of Sri Lanka have made it very clear that they require a new program. Therefore, he said most probably, it will lead to a parliamentary election or some form of a positive program in parliament, that would ensure the newly elected president will be able to exercise his powers.

Journalist: Rectifying mistakes committed during the previous regime, do you think a fresh cabinet to suit national interests, will be appointed? Keheliya Rambukwella: Clearly yes. Rectifying mistakes is the responsibility of everyone. I believe the ability to recognize those who are capable of undertaking responsibilities also plays an important role. Today, I heard him saying, photographs of Ministers at their respective ministries, are not required. Such progressive and ethical steps can be taken forward. Journalist: How will you collaborate with the SLFP? Keheliya Rambukwella: There are several agreements in this regard. Those agreements are subject to ethical politics.