In an interesting turn of events, the Jathika Hela Urumaya – the UPFA ally which is presently at loggerheads with the government - said on Thursday that it has not yet decided to join the common opposition.

JHU stalwart Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, addressing a press conference in Colombo today, said the JHU has not decided to join the common opposition and the party has not discussed about a common candidate.

Ranawaka’s viewpoints were in stark contrast to the sentiments expressed by Athuraliye Rathana Thera at the protest rally which was held yesterday.

JHU Parliamentarian Athuraliye Rathana Thera addressing the common opposition meeting in Colombo yesterday said it was a historic opportunity to find a common candidate who can bring about a change.  Rathana Thera, who also leads the Pivithuru Hetak organization, clearly underscored in his speech that there was no space for an interim agreement between his party and the UPFA government. 

In his speech he revealed that 10 MPs  of the government were ready to extend  their support to the common candidate to abolish Executive Presidency. 

However, Minister Ranawaka, who addressed the press conference just a day after the protest rally, said in a more sober tone that if the government did not agree with our proposals then the JHU would be compelled to make an independent decision.

“The JHU does not want to become kings: but our focus is implementation of correct policies,” Ranawaka said explaining the party’s standpoint on leaving the government.

JHU Legal Advisor and Western Provincial Council Minister Udaya Gammanpila reiterated that the government should not announce an election without implementing the JHU proposals.

When asked about the ongoing discussions with seniors of the UPFA, Gammanpila, who is a key member of the JHU delegation, said, “We believe that our discussions with the Government will conclude soon.”

 He also stated that they were fighting not for their own benefits, but for those of the people.