The Democratic People’s Front (DPF) today expressed surprise over the absence of Ministers Tissa Vitharana and Rajitha Senarathne in the list of government members appointed to the Parliamentary Select Committee on constitutional changes.

Deputy Leader of the DPF and Western Provincial Councilor, Dr Nalliah Kumaraguruparan stated that his party has “strong reservations” about the PSC for political solution, however it is a surprise to him that Prof Tissa Vitharana and Dr Rajitha Senarathne were “remarkably missing” in the list of government party appointees.

Dr Kumaraguruparan stated that the Senior Minister for Scientific Affairs is a “highly potential” personality who has “studied power devolution in our context.”

He stated that both Prof Vitharana and Dr Senarathne, who is keen in conflict resolution through enhanced power devolution, were perhaps left out from the committee deliberately and emphasized that although “it is a matter of discretion of government,” it is necessary that they be included as this is a “matter in the national interest.”

Dr Kumaraguruparan further added that Minister Wimal Weerawansa’s threats of leaving the government, if Northern Provincial Council polls are held without stripping police and land powers, is a “a political joke” that will never  happen.

“People voted for the UPFA for Mahinda Chinthanaya and not for Wimal Weerawansa’s Chithanaya,” he said.