MP Dullas Alahapperuma yesterday admitted that backing family politics in Sri Lanka was a mistake committed by him and others. Alahapperuma said many mistakes were made in the past as supporting family bandysm in politics. “The first step to correct the mistake is to accept it. We humbly accept our mistake today. We will go beyond and do everything possible to correct this mistake constitutionally, politically and legally,” he said. Alahapperuma invited all those who recognize and respect diversity to join hands with the new alliance.

Alahapperuma made these comments at the launch of the new political coalition, the ‘Freedom People’s Alliance’ in Colombo yesterday. The new alliance consists of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party led by former President Maithripala Sirisena and nine other political parties as well as independent groups.

Coalition partners of the new alliance also include two breakaway groups of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, namely the National Freedom Congress led by the G.L Peiris faction, and the Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya (Supreme Lanka Coalition) led by Wimal Weerawansa. The alliance will contest under the ‘Helicopter’ symbol at the upcoming polls.