The
SLFP government of
Sirimavo Bandaranaike lost its majority in December 1964 when some MPs deserted it over the
nationalization of
Lakehouse Newspapers. Bandaranaike's program of extensive
nationalization had alarmed many of the island's business interests, which rallied to the
United National Party. The economy had been stagnant, and
rationing had been imposed in the face of persistent food shortages. The UNP promised to form a "National Front" government to oppose the SLFP and its
Marxist allies. UNP leader
Dudley Senanayake promised cabinet posts both to smaller
Sinhalese nationalist parties and the
Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi. ==Results==