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Opposition splits in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's main opposition, the United National Party, now faces a formidable challenge.

One of its senior leaders, Sirisena Cooray has formed a new party to contest against Ranil Wickremesinghe in the coming election.

Political observers attach great importance to the decision of this party strongman and former minister. They say Cooray's objective is to bring the UNP to second place just to spite Wickremesinghe.

Cooray's close associates have reportedly said they would be willing to accept anyone other than Wickremesinghe as leader.

Cooray, a former UNP general secretary, has already written to the election commissioner about his intention to resurrect a party originally launched by former President R Premadasa in the early 1970s.

More trouble is in store for the UNP. Another parliamentarian, Mendis, has crossed over. He wrote a letter to Wickremesinghe asking him to step down from the party leadership following 'successive defeats' in presidential elections.

Mendis had challenged his expulsion from the party, but the court had set it aside.

After Wickremesinghe's defeat in the last presidential poll, several party members favour a change in leadership.

UNI

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