SLFP recognition in crisis; immediate party election needed, says Dayasiri

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party cannot currently be considered an officially recognised political party, the Election Commission of Sri Lanka has said. After inviting the party's various factions for talks and hearing their views, the commission described the party as one riddled with internal disputes. Recognition will be restored only after the required qualifications, including holding elections, are met, and parties that fail to resolve their internal disputes will not be able to file nominations for upcoming elections, it said.

Speaking to the media after a special discussion held yesterday (6th) under the commission's chairman, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara pointed out that all the party's activities have been paralysed by court cases and continuous internal conflicts, leaving it unable to file nominations for the coming elections.

Views were expressed at the discussion that the party's functioning has been completely affected because cases have been pending in the District Court and the Civil Appellate High Court since 2023. In this situation, Dayasiri Jayasekara stressed the need to hold a party election immediately.