More UNP MPs to support PA

[TamilNet, Saturday, 15 January 2000, 19:18 GMT]
Six more parliamentarians from the United National Party (UNP) are expected to support the ruling People's Alliance (PA), political sources in Colombo said. Yesterday, the Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), decided to present a bill that allows an MP to cross over to another party.

According to the sources, Mervin de Silva (Hambantota District), Ariabala Valpitigama (Trincomalee District), Susantha Punichinilema (Ratnapura District), Bakmiweva, Galapathi (Ampara District) and Vicent Perera (Kegalle District) are the UNP parliamentarians expected to cross over to the PA. Susantha Punchinilema is allegedly involved in the killing of PA parliamentarian, Nalanda Ellawelle.

Four UNP MPs, Sarath Amunugama, Wijepala Mendis, Nantha Mathew, and Susil Moonesinghe , have already pledged their support to the PA.

Commenting on reports of UNP MPs crossing over to the PA, Mr.Sarath Amunagama said they have not joined the PA, but have decided to support the Government in crucial issues.

Political observers say the UNP MPs are expected to announce their crossing over when the bill is approved in the house.

Meanwhile sources said UNP is expected to nominate Isaideen from Ampara and another Tamil representing hill-country for vacancies that are yet to be filled after A.C.S.Hameed and Thondaman. M.S.Sellasamy and Puthirasikamani have been suggested, according to the sources.

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