by Shamindra Ferdinando

EPDP leader Douglas Devananda

Pledging its support for President Maithripala Sirisena’s 100-day project meant to bring in immediate relief to people, the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) has indicated its readiness to explore the possibility of a closer political partnership with the new ruling coalition.

EPDP leader Douglas Devananda remained with former President throughout his first two terms.

However, the EPDP has no intention of joining the new government during the 100-day programme.

The EPDP is seeking a meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena soon to discuss possible alliance with him.

A senior EPDP spokesperson told The Island that their decision would largely depend on President Sirisena’s stand on the rights of Tamil speaking people. The official said that as the new government hadn’t so far clearly revealed its position as regards the national issue, the EPDP intended to discuss the matter with the new government.

The EPDP backed the defeated President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s candidature at the recently concluded presidential poll. The former President suffered a heavy defeat in the Northern Province, where the four-party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) backed the Opposition presidential candidate Maithripala Sirisena.

The EPDP reiterated its call to the new government to continue with on-going programmes implemented for the benefit of those living in predominately Tamil speaking areas.

The spokesman said that the EPDP would extend its support to President Sirisena’s 100-day programme as it contained proposals beneficial to all communities.

The EPDP made its move close on the heels of the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) leader Arumugam Thondaman MP, declaring his support to President Sirisena’s 100-day programme. The CWC announcement was made after Thondaman and CWC Chairman Muttu Sivalingham met President Sirisena at his residence at Wijerama Mawatha. The CWC, too, supported the former President’s candidature at the recently concluded presidential poll.

In the run-up to the presidential poll, UPFA’s dominant partner, the SLFP, lost three coalition members, namely the SLMC, All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) and the JHU.

Courtesy:The Island