Fonseka party joins UNP coalition

His Democratic Party had contested the parliamentary polls separately last year and received a severe drubbing.

Democratic Party founder and former SLA commander Sarath Fonseka’s decision to join the coalition has taken place months before the now-postponed polls for local bodies. Also the fact remains that In the parliamentary elections last year, the Democratic Party had contested separately and was not able to get even one per cent of the votes. T. RAMAKRISHNAN

The Democratic Party, founded by former SLA Commander Sarath Fonseka, on Wednesday became part of the United National Party (UNP)-led coalition, United National Front for Good Governance.

As a mark of the decision, Mr. Fonseka, who was conferred by the present regime last year with the highest military rank of Field Marshal, signed an agreement at the official residence of Prime Minister and the UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe here.

Ahead of civic polls

Mr. Fonseka’s decision to join the coalition has taken place months before the now-postponed polls for local bodies. In the parliamentary elections last year, the Democratic Party had contested separately and fared miserably with not being able to get even one per cent of votes.