JVP Hints At Early Dissolution Of Parliament

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that President Maithripala Sirisena indicated that the parliament could be dissolved before end of May.

Several discussions among the party leaders are to take place on the electoral reforms on Sunday and Monday. On Monday, all party leaders will hold a meeting with President Sirisena. If the party leaders are able to agree on electoral reforms, it will be presented to the Cabinet on May 13, the president told JVP during a discussion, Dissanayake told media on Sunday.

If an agreement cannot be reached, the parliament will be dissolved, President Sirisena has also informed the JVP during the discussion.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera recently said that the new electoral system will be introduced to the parliament on May 19 when it reconvenes and it will be passed as soon as possible. Afterwards the parliament would be dissolved, he said.

Meanwhile, Dissanayake told media this morning that the president was also in the opinion that the forthcoming general election should be conducted under the present system.

The election cannot be postponed, Dissanayake also said. Although former president Mahinda Rajapaksa was defeated, his supporters were not, he pointed out. Dissanayake further alleged that they are trying to take the country towards anarchy by creating disturbances in the parliament. An election is needed to reduce their power, he argued.