The Democratic Party (DP) led by former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka said it was now the “third force” in Sri Lankan politics.

Democratic Party parliamentarian Jayantha Ketagoda said that the party will now look at taking their political policies further.

The Democratic Party received 3 seats in the North Western Province and 2 in the Central provincial council elections held yesterday and pushed the JVP down the list.

Ketagoda told the Colombo Gazette that the DP was satisfied with the outcome of the polls and showed that the people clearly wanted an alternative force.

“Our party was formed only a few months ago so this is a significant achievement for us. General Fonseka was fully committed during the election campaign at the provincial elections,” he said.

He also noted that they party managed to gain the votes it got despite several hurdles during campaigning for the polls.

The MP said that among the hurdles faced was the refusal by local authorities in some areas to allow the DP to hold election rallies.

Ketagoda also said that the election was not free and fair as the government violated election laws which included misusing state resources. (Easwawarn Rutnam) 

Source: Colombo Gazette