A new alliance against the ruling UPFA has been formed in Sri Lanka.
The opposition parties, led by the UNP, have signed an MOU to form a joint movement in Colombo.
The alliance, called “Vipakshaye Virodhaya” includes the UNP, TNA, Democratic People’s Front, Nawa Sama Samaja Party, Mawbima Janatha Pakshaya, Ruhunu Janatha Party, Eksath Janatha Peramuna, Muslim Tamil National Alliance and Nidahase Wedikawa.
The party stalwarts present included Ranil Wickremesinghe, MA Sumanthiran, Wikramabahu Karunaratne and Mano Ganesan.
However, despite his presence, the TNA representative MA Sumanthiran, did not sign the MOU. There has been no official response as to the reasons behind this.
According to UNP leader Wickremesinghe, the new alliance will be the sole opposition against Rajapakse.
“We will be the center for all the people and parties who fight against the Rajapaksa regime. We may have our own views as different parties but now we are trying to start a new political vision,” Mr.Wickremesinghe said.
"We have joined together despite our political differences. The Rajapaksa regime would not go merely because we ask them to go. We may have to get into streets to force the regime out."
