A large number of SLFP members in the Joint Opposition (JO) are keen to contest with the SLFP at the upcoming Local Government and Provincial Council elections, SLFP Senior Vice President and Labour and Trade Union Relations Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne said.
The discussions are still underway as to how the differences between the two SLFP factions can be ironed out, the Minister told the Sunday Observer yesterday.
However, the Minister said some of the conditions put forward by the Joint Opposition were not acceptable to the SLFP.
“As there is no consensus between the two SLFP factions so far; the SLFP decided to organize itself to contest the upcoming Local Government and Provincial Council elections separately,” the Minister said.
“But, we look at the current situation with an open mind. It is important to understand the need for party unity. Division and separation will only bring about disastrous results,” the Minister said.
Asked whether the discussions were also centered on the ongoing constitutional making process, the Minister said no such matter was discussed at the meeting.
“We only discussed certain weak areas in the party mechanism. The SLFP’s
preparations for the elections were discussed at length and decisions were taken to further strengthen the party,” he said.