SLFP ponders expelling dissidents, as intra-party turmoil worsens

Speculation is rife in political circles in Colombo that two dissident Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) parliamentarians, Mangala Samaraweera and Sripathi Sooriyarachchi, the sacked ministers, are to be expelled from the party, after Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse returns from his seven-day official visit to China on Sunday evening. The SLFP is the main constituent of the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government, sources said.

The Sri Lanka's parliament is to meet on Tuesday this week as accusations on the alleged secret deal between some members of the ruling party and the LTTE prior to 2005 presidential election gathered momentum with detailed reports appearing on Sunday media.

Mr Samaraweera and Mr Sooriyarachchi at recent press briefings leveled several charges against the government corruption, and the pre-election deal with the LTTE.

Mr Sooriyarachchi has already informed the Speaker by letter his intention of moving a motion in parliament this week requesting to appoint a parliamentary select committee to inquire into the alleged secret deal.

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) has decided to extend its support for the motion on parliamentary select committee, sources said.

Meanwhile, SLFP sources said party hierarchy is expected to meet Monday to discuss the allegations leveled by dissident parliamentarians against Mahinda Rajapakse and his brothers and the course of disciplinary action against the rebels.

Minister D.M.Jayaratne is leading a group that it is determined to reconcile the conflict between Mr Rajapakse and rebel parliamentarians through talks.

Another section is demanding the expulsion of the rebels from the party, sources said.