Alahapperuma also expressed strong reservations to another suggestion by Dilan Perera and others that the ethnic issue should be resolved within a unitary Sri Lanka.

Presidential advisor Ashoka Abeygunawardena sided with Alahapperuma.

Following a lengthy discussion, the SLFP has decided not to make any references to the ethnic question.

Alahapperuma also told the SLFP MP-elects that he was totally against the formation of a national government.

He said he would work to fulfill the opposition’s responsibility of forming an alternative to Ranil Wickremesinghe government.

President Maithripala Sirisena asked that the SLFP central committee’s policy decision to support a national government be not criticized.

He warned that he would have to act against anyone opposing the decision.