Draft:National Democratic Front (Sri Lanka)

History

The National Democratic Front (NDF) of Sri Lanka originated from the Ruhunu People's Party, founded in 1996 under the leadership of former Member of Parliament Ajanta De Soysa. Initially focused on the Balapitiya Constituency in the Galle District, the Ruhunu People's Party was officially recognized by the Election Department on August 23, 2000, with the symbol "Motor Car".

In 2014, a special general conference led to the renaming of the party to the Democratic National Movement, a change accepted by the Election Department on November 26, 2014. Another significant change occurred in 2019 when the party was renamed the National Democratic Front, which was officially recognized by the Election Commission on February 5, 2020. Throughout its history, the NDF has retained the "Motor Car" as its electoral symbol.

Ideology

The National Democratic Front aims to foster a prosperous and unified Sri Lanka by addressing various social, economic, and political challenges. The party advocates for a new constitution to reform the governance structure and ensure the protection of human rights and democratic values. Key points of their ideology include:

• Establishing a unified state with maximum political solutions for all communities.
• Formulating a foreign policy that aligns with historical and geographical realities while maintaining global friendships.
• Granting extensive powers to the Election Commission.
• Reforming the electoral system to enhance parliamentary representation.
• Abolishing the executive presidency and introducing a mixed electoral system.
• Empowering the Bribery or Corruption Allegations Investigation Commission.
• Ensuring state responsibility for national security, health, and education.
• Implementing an education system based on competence, merit, and vocational skills.
• Promoting free trade and competition while limiting government involvement in business.
• Ensuring media freedom and transparency in government tendering and foreign investment.
• Prohibiting extremist ideologies and preventing political business engagements by politicians.
• Strengthening public service and judicial commissions.

Leadership

The leadership of the NDF has evolved over time:

• Ajanta De Soysa: Initial leader and founder.
• Kolitha Jayasuriya: Succeeded Ajanta De Soysa.
• Ruwangani Chamindra: Took over leadership following Jayasuriya.
• Rushan Malinda: The current leader of the party.

Electoral History

The NDF has participated in several key elections:

• 2005, 2010, and 2019 Presidential Elections: The party's former secretary, Aruna De Soyza, contested these elections.
• 2020 Parliamentary Elections: The NDF contested in various districts, including Galle, Gampaha, Kandy, Kurunegala, Digamadulla, and Batticaloa.

References

• Election Commission of Sri Lanka. (2000). Official Recognition of Ruhunu People's Party.
• Election Commission of Sri Lanka. (2014). Approval of Name Change to Democratic National Movement.
• Election Commission of Sri Lanka. (2020). Approval of Name Change to National Democratic Front.
• National Democratic Front official website: www.ndf.lk
• National Democratic Front official Facebook page: National Democratic Front - Facebook
• National Democratic Front official Twitter account: @ndf_lk