New national govt. agreement after President’s return – UNP

by Zacki Jabbar-April 16, 2018, 10:54 pm 

The UNP and the SLFP would enter into a new partnership, after President Matihripala Sirisena’s return from London, where he is attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Minister of Pubic Enterprise Development Lakshman Kiriella said yesterday.

Asked to describe the pact, Kiriella said that it would prioritise the governments development plans for the next two years and set out the guidelines under which the two parties would work together, without having to encounter problems, such as the ones witnessed in the recent past.

He explained that a committee, headed by Special Assignments Minister Sarath Amunugama, appointed by the President, prior to leaving for London, had been tasked with drafting the new agreement.

Asked whether the national unity government would continue, Kiriella said: "Yes. What the Amunugama Committee would do is outline the ground rules which the UNP and SLFP, will be required to follow."

The Minister emphasised that a commitment to collective responsibility was of paramount importance, if the government was to achieve its objectives.

Unwarranted side shows were a big distraction and counter-productive, he added.