The Election Commission has reportedly identified the Sri Lanka Freedom Party as a party embroiled in an internal crisis. Accordingly, the Commission has informed party factions that the SLFP cannot currently be treated as a formally recognized political party.
Key Points
- Election Commission identifies SLFP as facing an internal crisis
- Fresh application and proper internal election meeting set criteria required for regaining recognition
- Failure to resolve crisis could lead to losing opportunity to submit nominations for upcoming elections
Party representatives summoned before Commission
The Election Commission summoned various factions of the party on the 6th to inquire into the ongoing crisis. Representatives Dayasiri Jayasekara, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, and Duminda Dissanayake attended the discussion.
During the meeting, the Commission instructed them to fulfill the necessary criteria to regain recognition as a registered political party and submit a fresh application. The Commission also pointed out that this must include conducting a formal party election in accordance with the relevant criteria.
Impact on election nominations
It is noted that a party facing such internal turmoil cannot submit nominations for upcoming elections. If the party intends to contest, it is mandatory to appear before the Commission beforehand and reach a consensus to settle the crisis.
The Commission stated that if the internal conflict cannot be resolved, the opportunity to hand over nominations could be lost. The Election Commission confirmed that this exact procedure will be followed regarding the Sri Lanka Freedom Party in the future.
