SLFP-JVP problem over seat allocation

The planned SLFP-JVP coalition agreement has been temporarily grounded due to differences following a demand the JVP has made regarding seat allocation in parliament.

They have also laid down a condition that the party should be given a top position within the alliance, senior Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MPs said.

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has demanded 30 seats in parliament.

The SLFP hierarchy has said it is not possible to do so. SLFP officials told The Sunday Leader that this might be the cause for President Chandrika Kumaratunga's procrastination in entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to finally form the alliance with the JVP.

SLFP sources said even if they fail to obtain more seats, the party might have to sacrifice its national list for the sake of pleasing the JVPers, which they said might come under strong opposition from within the party's rank and file.

Last week JVP MP for Anuradhapura, K.D. Lalkantha accused President Kumaratunga of delaying the signing of the MoU with the JVP. Casting doubts he said the party was not certain whether the proposed alliance with the SLFP would materialise.

"They want either the secretary's post or the chairman's post. This is going to be a problem specially when the SLFP comprises senior and seasoned politicians," they added.

Meanwhile People's Alliance (PA) General Secretary, D. M. Jayaratne admitted some members of the SLFP are not satisfied with the demands the JVP has made in order to enter into an alliance with the SLFP.

He said still discussions are going on and added though there are many hurdles, both parties might be in a position to coalesce with a view to defeating the United National Front (UNF) government.

He said subjects regarding the devolution of power, allocation of seats and a few other issues are still a "block" to the planned alliance. "I am sure through discussion we could iron out these differences, he said.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse also said though there are impediments, both parties might come to an agreement soon.