Our correspondents stated that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe as well as party leaders and representatives arrived at the premises to take part in the meeting.
President Maithripala Sirisena called this meeting yesterday in order for all the political parties to reach a consensus on ending the current political unrest and conflict situation and to allow the normal functioning of the parliament.
President’s Media Division noted that leaders representing all the parties in parliament as well as Speaker Karu Jayasuriya were invited for the meeting.
However, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and the JVP informed that they would not be taking part in the meeting.
President Maithripala Sirisena and Speaker Karu Jayasuriya have engaged in a phone conversation on the current situation in parliament and country’s politics.
It is reported that attention was drawn towards the importance of exchanging views on the current political situation with all the parties.
However, sources at the Speaker’s Office noted that the Speaker will not be taking part in the All-Party Meeting.
Additionally, leader of the JVP, Anura Kumara Dissanayake speaking at a press briefing in Colombo today stated that the JVP too would not be taking part in the discussion.
Meanwhile the Tamil National Alliance also decided to take part in the All-Party Meeting convened by the President today.
Leader of the Opposition, R. Sampanthan made this statement in response to an inquiry made by our news team.
Additionally, leader of the Tamil Progressive Alliance, former minister Mano Ganeshan stated that the alliance too would be taking part in the meeting.
Meanwhile, representing the ruling party, Mahajana Eksath Peramuna led by Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Democratic Leftist Front led by Minister Vasudewa Nanayakkara, National Freedom Front led by Minister Wimal Weerawansa and the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya led by Minister Udaya Gammanpila have also taken part in the All-Party Meeting.
Additionally, it is reported that the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress led by former minister Rauff Hakeem and the All Ceylon Makkal Congress led by former minister Rishad Bathiudeen have also taken part in the meeting.