The United National Party (UNP) has accused the New Democratic Front (NDF) of engaging in a “political theft” by unilaterally filling a National List MP position without the consent of coalition partner party leaders. The UNP’s chairman, Vajira Abeywardena, issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the actions, which he said violated prior agreements made among coalition members.
Abeywardena recalled that during the discussions to contest the general election under the gas cylinder symbol, a mutual understanding was reached among the coalition partners. The agreements were handed over to Sharmila Perera, the Secretary of the NDF, who was tasked with safeguarding them. However, coalition members claim they were never provided copies of these agreements, nor have they been formally presented.
The UNP asserts that decisions regarding the allocation of National List MP positions should involve the input of the partner party leaders. Yet, the NDF Secretary reportedly filled the posts without any such consultation or delegated authority, breaching trust and undermining the coalition’s integrity.
The UNP has initiated steps to address this breach. A committee has been formed to investigate and report on the appointment of former Minister Ravi Karunanayake as a National List MP. The party also plans to consult coalition partners regarding the appointment of Faizer Musthapha to a similar post.
Abeywardena labeled the actions of the NDF Secretary as a blatant violation of the agreed-upon process, further characterizing it as a “political theft” that erodes trust among coalition members. The UNP intends to take appropriate action based on the committee’s findings and discussions with its partners.
This controversy underscores tensions within the coalition, raising questions about the unity and transparency of the partnership forged under the gas cylinder symbol during the general election.
