The group of 11 parties who were part of the government previously, has demanded the removal of Shantha Bandara from the State Ministerial post in order to continue discussions with the President to seek solutions to issues faced by the people at present.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo today, Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa said his faction cannot continue to hold discussions, if the President and the government are engaged in horse-trading.
MP Weerawansa claimed despite holding discussions with his faction, those running the country are attempting to lure independent MPs to their side by offering Ministerial posts and other perks.
He said if the government is planning to continue its rule by merely appointing new Ministers from the same group, then they will receive a real wakeup call from the public shortly.
The Parliamentarian said they are also demanding the Prime Minister and the entire government step down, so that an interim administration can be appointed.
MP Weerawansa also accused former Minister Basil Rajapaksa of sending his affiliates to residences of independent MPs with offers to join the government.
MP Weerawansa said MP Nimal Siripala de Silva has been offered the post of Health Minister while another MP has been offered the post of Cultural Affairs Minister.
He said such attempts are a clear indication that the President and the government are not genuinely seeking to change, which has been the demand of youth and others protesting across the country.
MP Weerawansa also stressed that the on-going protests should not lead to violence in the country.
The Parliamentarian stated the youth of the country are engaging in protests against the government through various means.
He said although citizens belonging to the middle class are expressing their displeasure with the government, some parties are attempting to depict the protests as an attack against the Commander of the Sri Lankan Army and the clergy.
He said the National Freedom Front believes the youth involved in peaceful protests will not allow such extremist groups to hijack their efforts.
He said the current situation in the country is being exploited by various parties for their own gains and requested the youth involved in such protests to be mindful of such attempts.
