The UNP has issued a statement specifying that they do not intend to attend a meeting called by Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Rajapaksa had called the meeting and invited 225 former members of the 2015 parliament. This meeting was intended as an alternative to reconvening Sri Lankan Parliament. Whilst the UNP originally stated that they would attend the meeting; they specify that in learning that “all former MPs and other active political leaders, from previous parliaments” were invited changed their position.
The UNP has stated that this will mean that “no meaningful dialogue can be held” and have accused Rajapaksa of “playing party politics” during this pandemic
The UNP statement further clarifies that the measures the Rajapaksa regime have imposed during the coronavirus have been questioned on grounds of legality. In their statement they emphasis:
“The government must ensure that all measures taken are those in line with the country’s constitution”.
Read the UNP full statement here.
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