SLFP,JVP MoU in the offing

by Shamindra Ferdinando

The ongoing deliberations between the SLFP and the JVP to form a joint alliance has reached a decisive stage with the SLFP agreeing to consider a series of proposals on a range of contentious issues including the peace process forwarded by the JVP.

The JVP forwarded a document containing several proposals to the SLFP when party delegations met at Janadhipathy Mandiraya yesterday, a senior SLFP spokesperson said, adding they agreed to press on with their talks on a priority basis.

The SLFP delegation comprised MPs Sarath Amunugama, Maithipala Sirisena and Nimal Siripala de Silva. JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva led the delegation which included parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa and Anura Dissanayake. PA General Secretary D.M.Jayaratne later joined the discussion. His presence suggested the decision to involve the PA in the ongoing SLFP, JVP talks aimed at reaching an agreement on a common programme.

"We discussed a gamut of issues relating to the proposed joint alliance," the spokesperson said, expressing the belief their talks will lead to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties.

Responding to questions, he said President Chandrika Kumaratunga did not take part in yesterday’s deliberations but a copy of the JVP document was made available to her immediately. It deals with a range of issues including the role of public servants, foreign relations, economy, privatisation and the peace process. The SLFP intends to respond to the JVP’s proposals within the next two weeks.

The JVP said that everything would depend on the SLFP’s willingness to agree on their proposals. SLFP sources said that the majority of the members endorse an agreement with the JVP. But PA constituents, CP and the LSSP strongly oppose such a move.

Government blames the SLFP and the JVP of exploring ways and means of toppling the government. UNP sources said that the president was under pressure to dissolve the parliament and go for a fresh election. The SLFP stressed that their talks did not cover the issue.