The Peoples’ Alliance came into existence as a result of several political parties such as the SLFP, SLMP, CP and LSSP coming together. The EPDP, TELO, EPRLF, SLMC, NUA and latterly the MEP joined the PA to extend Parliamentary support to form the government having proved that the political grouping had a majority in Parliament.

The PA government has now lost its majority in Parliament and as such the only course open is to test its strength through a Confidence Motion or by debating the No Confidence Motion before Parliament, as done in other democratic countries.

The President has very often declared that her government will not cling to power once it loses the confidence of the people and the test is the Parliamentary majority. It is Parliamentary majority that is the criterion for forming a government and the same criterion applies for giving up government power.

Peace, unity, economic recovery and good administrative management will not be realised under political uncertainty as found as at present. National interest therefore requires the PA government to follow democratic parliamentary process. The sooner the better.
Upali S. Jayasekera
Colombo 4