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President, JVP hold talks on enhanced cooperation

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and JVP leaders on Friday held talks on increased co-operation between the two parties ahead of the proposed Cabinet reshuffle.

JVP Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa confirmed yesterday that a meeting took place but said the issue about the JVP joining the government was not taken up.

He said the party would be meeting the President again in the coming weeks.
The Sunday Times learns that the security situation, including the plight of villagers in vulnerable areas in the north and east, was taken up for discussion.

The meeting took place before the JVP joined a government delegation comprising President’s senior advisor Basil Rajapaksa to attend a meeting on development activities in the Wanni area including Mannar, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.

Mr. Weerawansa represented the party at the discussion which was attended by three other ministers, Tamil National Alliance MPs, Acting Army Commander Major General Nanda Mallawaarachchi and other government officials, including Government Agents.

The discussions focused on expediting development activities in the Wanni district including improving roads, irrigation projects, telecommunications and housing projects.

The President-JVP meeting comes in the wake of the proposed Cabinet reshuffle which has been delayed after being scheduled for this week.

The Sunday Times learns that the Cabinet reshuffle has been delayed due to continued discussions with some MPs, including CWC members, who want to join the government.

However, the oversized Cabinet and its further expansion have come under criticism from the JVP.

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