Splits within DNA over SF protest

Divisions have erupted within the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) of retired General Sarath Fonseka which is to launch a protest campaign from Wednesday (July 21) under the theme “Release the General Immediately”, DNA sources told Adaderana.

During the final discussions regarding the protest campaign, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) which is a constituent of the DNA, has decide to launch another campaign of its own under the theme, “Down with family rule.”

This had given rise to serious differences within the constituent parties of the DNA, with at least four political parties pulling out of the initial protest campaign on behalf of Sarath Fonseka as well.

According to DNA Deputy Leader Sarath Manamendra of the Nava Sihala Urumaya, his party as well as the Democratic United National Front (DUNF), the United Tamil Front and the Tamil Peoples Congress are to pull out of the campaign.

Among the top rung from the DNA who have threatened to pull out of the campaign are DNA National Organizer Ariyawansa Dissanayake and DNA Vice Chairman P. Shanmuganathan among others, according to Sarath Manamendra, who said that he too would boycott the campaign for the release of detained General Sarath Fonseka.