The JVP is to take steps to expel from parliament 12 members of the National Freedom Front (NFF) headed by Wimal Weerawansa who quit the party in April.

The JVP’s decision to take action against the 12 NFF members was made following a letter sent by the NFF members to Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara admitting that they represented the NFF in parliament and not the JVP.

The JVP that contested the 2004 general election under the UPFA banner managed to send 39 of its members to parliament with the right to disciplinary action being held by the respective party secretary.

In the letter sent to Speaker Lokubandara by the NFF members dated July 9, they have said that after entering parliament under the UPFA, the group now represented the NFF in the House. They have said that the decision has also been communicated to the UPFA secretary general and that he had accepted it.

The NFF members had requested the Speaker to make the necessary arrangements with the chief opposition whip to allocate time for speeches to be made by the party.

The JVP defectors have declared total independence by calling for their recognition as members of a newly formed party. However, the UNP defectors who joined the government still function as members of the UNP to maintain they still represent the party they were elected from so that they do not have to relinquish their parliamentary seats. The NFF members have therefore fallen into a trap set by the government, JVP sources said.

It is learned if the 12 JVP members lose their parliamentary seats, they will be replaced by 12 SLFP members who are next on the list.

"That is why the UPFA General Secretary has agreed to Weerawansa and group committing themselves in writing to the position they now represent a new party," JVP sources also said.

The 12 NFF members who have signed the letter to the Speaker are Wimal Weerawansa, Nandana Gunathileka, Piyasiri Wijenayake, Mohomad Mussamil, Anjan Umma, Deepal Gunasekera, Achala Jagoda, Jayantha Samaraweera, Weerakumara Dissanayake, Padma Udayashantha, Samansiri Herath and Nimal Premawansa.