Faiszer Musthapha’s name was sent to the Election Commission to fill the remaining slot on the National List of the New Democratic Front (NDF) without consulting other parties in the coalition, key stakeholders of the NDF alleged.
United National Party (UNP) Chairperson Wajira Abeywardena, in a statement, said:
“The decision to fill the positions of National List Members of Parliament should be taken by the party leaders of the NDF. The General Secretary of the NDF has not been given any power to fill the positions of National List MPs. Violating that decision and filling the positions of National List MPs is a complete breach of trust. It is a political theft.”
Former MP Thalatha Atukorale also stated during a media briefing that she was unaware of Musthapha’s appointment to fill the National List vacancy.
Meanwhile, the Leader of the National Unity Alliance (NUA), Azath Salley, commented:
“We have not taken a decision about Faiszer’s name. He called me and said that my name was given. The first one was stolen, and the second one was asked to be given to someone. Sharmila (NDF General Secretary) is sending this name without anyone knowing. Faiszer’s name should have been submitted only after discussions among all stakeholders. Decisions must be made collectively, not in a café. The parties have not been able to make decisions.”
This controversy is reminiscent of the earlier debacle when the NDF General Secretary sent the name of Ravi Karunanayake to fill another National List vacancy. The coalition parties claimed that decision was also made without their consultation. Following the outcry, a committee was appointed to examine steps to resolve the matter.
However, the Election Commission stated that it could not reverse Karunanayake’s name after it was gazetted, as the NDF General Secretary had informed the commission following due protocol.
