This time’s common candidate from the JVP : 09th decisive for JO

While all main political parties are preparing to field their candidates for the upcoming Presidential election, the JVP has decided not to put forward a candidate from their party, it is reported.

Accordingly, plans are afoot to field a common candidate who represents the civil society.

However, it is said that the civil society activists have already decided to put forward a candidate who can give leadership to a national programme in the manner they expect and they are said to be working closely with the JVP in this regard.

The expected candidate will contest under a common front and will also contest under a common symbol.

Meanwhile, expressing his views to the ‘Anidda’ newspaper, JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake had said that on July 14th plans are afoot to establish a public centre with the mediation of the civil society activists and thereafter the common candidate would be chosen.

JO splits in three

Meanwhile, Ravaya newspaper had reported that there are contradictory views being expressed by three groups within the Joint Opposition and as such a decisive meeting is scheduled to be held on July 09th regarding this split.

One of these splinter groups had notified Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa in writing that the name, logo and programme with regard to the presidential election should be decided upon prior to the SLPP convention scheduled to be held on July 11th.

It is also reported that the Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila and Prabha Ganeswaran group had met with the Opposition Leader on June 26th and held discussions.