The UNP defectors led by Karu Jayasuriya
are considering the option of
precipitating a crisis within the UNP to
capture power in the party with a view
to challenging the ruling UPFA at a
future election.
This option was considered at a strategy
session of the UNP defectors held on
March 6 to consider the progress made by
the party after joining the government.
According to the agenda for the meeting
circulated among the members, the UNP
defectors were to also consider their
options in the event of a snap general
election.
The options placed before the members
were to either contest on the SLFP
ticket, register a new political party
and contest under that party or do so as
an independent group.
The group had also discussed the
progress achieved within the one year
period after joining the government and
had pointed out reasons for being unable
to consolidate its power within the
government.
Amidst other details, the group had
discussed at length the reasons for
losing popularity among their supporters
as well.
Minister G.L. Peiris who has been
promised a national list slot by
President Mahinda Rajapakse at the next
general election was a conspicuous
absentee at the meeting.
