SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L Peiris has accused the government of not keeping its promises and pledges made to the people ahead of the 2020 General Election. Peiris said the aspiration of SLPP supporters are now destroyed.

“The government is doing the complete opposite of what it promised during the election campaign. The social contract between the people and their elected representatives is a core factor in parliamentary democracy, and it is paramount that it must exist in parliament. If that social contract is eroding or is destroyed, the democratic way of life cannot be revived," he said. The MP said there is a clear disparity between what the people want and the representation within the parliament

Peiris also said if the people want an election, that right must be ensured by calling for an election, adding that withholding that right in fear of defeat is unacceptable.

He made these remarks in parliament yesterday while announcing that he along with 13 other MPs has decided to sit with the opposition in parliament as an independent group.

Accordingly, SLPP MPs Dullas Alahapperuma, Dilan Perera, Dr Nalaka Godahewa, Professor Charitha Herath, Prof. Channa Jayasumana, K. P. S. Kumarasiri, Dr Gunapala Rathnasekara, Udayana Kirindigoda, Dr Upul Galappatti, Dr Thilak Rajapaksa, Wasantha Yapa, and Lalith Ellawala have now decided to cross over to the opposition.

A possible imminent rift within the Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP) is being reported. Accordingly, sources say the group led by MP Dullas Alahapperuma will split from the main SLPP and is set to function independently. 

It is also reported another SLPP faction will join hands with the United National Party (UNP) in the coming days. 

Meanwhile, it is also claimed the group led by Dullas Alahapperuma has decided to form a new political movement together with several political parties and groups. Political sources stated that the group led by Alahapperuma is currently in discussions with groups led by Wimal Weerawansa, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Patali Champika Ranawaka.

According to sources within the Dullas Alahapperuma group, this step has been taken to end nepotism and revolutionism to create a reformist political movement.

Meanwhile, sources said that many ministers who are with the government are preparing to join the UNP in the near future.

It is reported that MPs joining the government from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Samagi Jana Balawegaya and Sri Lanka Freedom Party, as well as several people who left the government and became independent MPs in the recent past, are now prepared to join the UNP.

It is stated that this group will include several people who are currently representing the Cabinet.