Lanza calls out SLPP 'double-standard' on power devolution

MP Nimal Lanza has accused the SLPP of having double-standards over the concept of devolution of powers.

In a statement, he said the SLPP had no ethical right to oppose the enforcement of the 13th amendment to the constitution.

Its leader Mahinda Rajapaksa has been agreeable even to a solution that goes beyond 13A, said Lanza.

However, SLPP general secretary Sagara Kariyawasam is now showing their double-standards by airing opposing ideas.

Communal harmony and reconciliation needs to be built to stabilize the economy and to build the country’s unitary status. Confidence-building among communities needs a sharing of powers acceptable to all. That will allow everybody’s contributions to economic development. It will help build the Sri Lankan notion. A power devolution acceptable to all communities will also build international confidence, he said.

Lanza asked Kariyawasam to explain himself for expressing an idea totally different to that of its leader and a majority of its MPs.

Another challenge

The MP also challenged the SLPP to announce, with consensus of all, its presidential candidate.

The SLPP is saying it is fielding a candidate and hinting at a leader with a three-letter name in order to mislead the public as it is without common consensus.

He also charged that a minority in the SLPP have today forgotten president Ranil Wickremesinghe who has created a democratic space for them to do politics once again by stabilizing the economy, society and politics.

Wickremesinghe, who was the SLPP’s only choice for national leadership, is now gaining public confidence.

He is the only and mature leader capable of rebuilding Sri Lanka with a vision for the future and with international support. Understanding that reality, a majority in the SLPP will ensure his victory at the next presidential election, while a minority without a public mandate and incapable of understanding public aspirations will be rejected by the country, he added.