JVP rebel MP urges Rajapakse to hold snap general election

[TamilNet, Monday, 05 February 2007, 10:32 GMT]
Nandana Gunatilake, rebel parliamentarian of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), has requested Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse to hold a snap general election to parliament. Mr. Gunatilake has been supporting the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government since the party hierarchy removed him from the JVP politburo due to policy differences, media sources said.

The MP said JVP and the main opposition United National Party (UNP) have been weakened due to internal split. The UNP has experienced a major set back with the defection of several senior parliamentarians. The JVP also cannot contest general election alone and win without an alliance with the UPFA.

The government should use this opportunity to gain its majority in parliament. This is the opportune moment for the government to dissolve parliament and to hold general election, Mr Gunatilake said.

The war front and political situation in the country is in favor of the UPFA government. Hence the UPFA government would be victorious if a snap general election is held, he said.