Karu to be common candidate?

7 November 2014 02:03 pm - 98 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The opposition parties yesterday agreed to field a common candidate at the forthcoming snap presidential election to be declared on November 19, the Daily Mirror learns.

Ven. Maduluwave Sobhitha Thera, the convener of the National Movement for Social Justice, held separate meetings with representatives of political parties interested in working together at the next presidential election on a common programme.

The programme is meant for the abolition of the executive presidency and the re-introduction of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution.

Among those who attended the meeting were former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, JHU MP Ven. Athuraliye Ratana Thera and its National Organizer Nishantha Warnasinghe, Nawa Sihala Urumaya Leader Sarath Manamenddra, National Unity Alliance leader Asad Sally and Mawbima Janatha Party leader Hemakumara Nanayakkara.

Trade union leader Saman Ratnapriya also attended the meeting with Sobitha Thera.

The names proposed for the candidates to contest under a common symbol were Mrs. Kumaratunga, UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. It is learnt that she, together with other leaders of the opposition, will address the media next week. Mr. Jayasuriya also met Ven. Sobhitha Thera yesterday.

Meanwhile, Ven. Sobhitha Thera told a news conference after these meetings with the leaders that an understanding between the UNP and JVP could be brought about on the fielding of a common candidate.

The latest move to field a common opposition candidate with the backing of the UNP had also stopped a move by several senior UNP MPs including Mangala Samaraweera to switch sides. (Kelum Bandara & Dayana Udayangani)

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Comments - 98

iqbal Saturday, 08 November 2014 09:30 AM

Good Choice, but the question is can he beat MR since he has the formula to win the elections....

Pathi Saturday, 08 November 2014 11:25 AM

Good decision!

pradeep Saturday, 08 November 2014 11:18 AM

100% agreed

jamal Saturday, 08 November 2014 11:18 AM

Paba get more than him

ANTON Saturday, 08 November 2014 10:57 AM

WILL HE BE NAMED PARAA..JAYASOORIYA AFTER THE ELECTION ???

ANTON Saturday, 08 November 2014 10:55 AM

AAWOTH KARU........PAAYAYDA HIRU......... PANEYDA THARU......KIYAYDA BORU........GENEYDA HORU.......... KAATADA MARU.....

pradeep Saturday, 08 November 2014 10:52 AM

He is the most suitable person, and very rare uncorrupted pollination in the country

ANTON Saturday, 08 November 2014 10:50 AM

I CONDUCTED A SURVEY WITH MY RELATIVES AND FRIENDS, THESE ARE MY FINDINGS.BLUE 52 %GREEN 43%OTHER COLOURS 5%(THIS IS JUST A SAMPLE)

dcn Saturday, 08 November 2014 10:45 AM

The best choice and all right thinking public must rally wholeheartedly and support him to be elected as President. There are negative elements who would not like him being elected and they would be exposed.

Madlin Saturday, 08 November 2014 10:42 AM

Hes decent but CBK will be a better bet. CBK has qualities of a leader and not corrupt compared to the present guys. via DM Android App

Punchirala Saturday, 08 November 2014 10:41 AM

Is TR is another for MR?

chamal Saturday, 08 November 2014 10:39 AM

good move but Mr do same things via DM Android App

gamini Saturday, 08 November 2014 10:05 AM

MR is the only president. Anyone bet via DM Android App

Azee Saturday, 08 November 2014 11:49 AM

If a reasoned decision has been taken over a common candidate,everyone have to forget any differences and put their shoulders to the wheel with the one aim of defeating the enemy.No saboteurs and no halfhearted supporters please._

Ali Saturday, 08 November 2014 09:09 AM

We welcome the good Decision with Sajith Premaasa also could be an additional force to establish a strong UNP government.

Fassey Saturday, 08 November 2014 09:03 AM

Jayawewa for a common candidate we need a change

Thomas Ranger Saturday, 08 November 2014 08:57 AM

And the losing party is - the United National Party.

Ranja Saturday, 08 November 2014 08:56 AM

Good move and everybody can support him on people friendly manifesto and end the regimes supporting few hooligans to earn billions

sheshan Saturday, 08 November 2014 08:37 AM

The best news heard after a long time. This is the finest time for regime change and this is the way for democracy. We should extend our fullest support to Mr. Jayasuriya. Family rule should be over.

Mad-Hawa Saturday, 08 November 2014 08:34 AM

We wish Mr. Karujasooriya and all team for taking task of ending this "EKADIPATHI VIYARUWA" We young generation rally around to end this unjustice for our future.

Nihal Amarasekera Saturday, 08 November 2014 08:28 AM

Scarecrow??

thusitha Saturday, 08 November 2014 08:18 AM

Karu will have to be more energetic, bold, frank character to contest with MR

Thusitha Saturday, 08 November 2014 08:11 AM

Most suitable person to be

ball Saturday, 08 November 2014 07:35 AM

This KJ cannot be marketed against MR. if this KJ opens-up he will be out duck facing 6 balls, no 4s no 6s. Captain MR will remain not out, 8 short of a century and SIRI LANKA WILL BE DEFEATED.

Justin Saturday, 08 November 2014 07:27 AM

Hi Karu Jayasuriya. You can beat Mahinda with the support of other political parties to provide better future for all Sri Lankans. Good Luck!

dcn Saturday, 08 November 2014 03:16 PM

Karu did not cross over for money or other personal benefits as compared to other cross overs. He is a national minded and level headed but not cowardice.

Das Monday, 10 November 2014 07:25 PM

A good choice under the circumstances.The militarised regime will oppose with all state resources to undermine unity among those who back him.I trust KJ to be a leader with honesty,

worker Monday, 10 November 2014 01:42 AM

Common candidate of the colombians

Wise Old Man Sunday, 09 November 2014 08:55 AM

No need to harp on that.....when KJ wins the elections, more than 17 from the governing side will join him! Soon after the Presidential Election, there will be a General Election, strengthening the hand of the newly elected President, hopefully to fulfill the promise of abolishing the Executive Presidency.

Alexander Sunday, 09 November 2014 08:49 AM

I have nothing against Mr. Karu Jayasuriya,but he can never be compared with the Late Gamini Dissanayake. Mr. Gamini Dissanayake was a gentleman par excellence and a charismatic Leader! May his Soul Rest in Peace.

bandi Sunday, 09 November 2014 05:49 AM

.....and you think Mr. Karu can win? IF the UNP agrees to back a common candidate, it will mean that RW and SP both agree they have no chance of winning a presidential election.

Trinesh Saturday, 08 November 2014 10:50 PM

He went to SLFP when there was a need to protect the country. Everybody knew JVP was planning to vote against/absent from voting and defeat the government. As a pure Sinhala Buddhist, he did the right thing and he saw the danger as a mature political leader. Karu was a army captain and straight forward successful businessman before he got into politics. I think he will end this corrupt regime for betterment of the country. Karu, you are a great choice for the nation.

Waco Saturday, 08 November 2014 09:09 PM

Mr.Prsident, purely in the interest of the country, please consider re-instating voting rights and all other rights of General Sarath Fonseka. Whole nation will reciprocate by casting their vote for you and you will win the Election.

Waco Saturday, 08 November 2014 08:59 PM

Problem is not with the executive Presidency. Issue is the Presedent is mis-using his positional power. Please elect the right person.

waco Saturday, 08 November 2014 08:54 PM

If KJ wins the election and executive powers are removed from the president, he will be only a scarecrow.

N.M.M. Farook Saturday, 08 November 2014 08:42 PM

No doubt Karu will be the ideal candidate.

Eng. M.V.R.Perera Saturday, 08 November 2014 04:11 PM

the best option is Sobitha Hamuduruwo

C.K.Lankaputhra Saturday, 08 November 2014 07:18 AM

Wish U good luck Sir. We will support U.

suranjith lal Saturday, 08 November 2014 03:06 PM

Ven Sobitha Thero is the best and should come forward as the common candidate otherwise bring Sajith (bit young but its only for 6 months to 1 year job) till transfer powers to parliament

amath Saturday, 08 November 2014 02:45 PM

yes that is a good move ,we have to think of our future children ,

Sena Saturday, 08 November 2014 02:38 PM

If you analyze the comments you can see more than 85% for Karu means Educated people =85%, Muslims more than 95%, Tamil 90%, Indian Tamil 50%, Christian 60%, you just need Sinhala Buddhist 30 to 35% to ge 55% of the total vote. An easy win for the people against corrupt dictator family. I used to blame Ranil always but finally he made a very good decision. first time I wish to tell Ranil a big thank you sir

piyal Saturday, 08 November 2014 02:21 PM

should get a young energetic educated person from a province carrying a large number of votes. so the best person is RAVI KARUNUNANAYAKE. time to think of him.

lakmal silva Saturday, 08 November 2014 02:20 PM

dont make me laugh man , where were u when CBK was there ? and premada was there ? under the beb prehaps ..MR is best president we ever had ..he is got spine unlike mr kaluwara jayasuriya

mukka Saturday, 08 November 2014 02:03 PM

It is not KARU but people who should defeat Mahinda Rakapakse!! So people must be smart and strong :)

Sara Saturday, 08 November 2014 01:32 PM

Tough times ahead for MR, game is changing now.

Ranga Saturday, 08 November 2014 01:13 PM

Ranil is more popular than this guy Karu who crossed over to SLFP for petty perks and so unreliable.Ranil, should not make another political mistake !

Nishantha Saturday, 08 November 2014 12:29 PM

This is the joke of the millennium....... it looks like that Madulwe Sobitha Thero is Trojan Horse sent by MR scuttle UNP.....

Chaturanga Saturday, 08 November 2014 12:05 PM

Only president who violates constitution and allows injustice to spread.

saman Saturday, 08 November 2014 12:00 PM

Karu has no spine, we observed it when we worked under him at ministry of petroleum. He will be easily controlled by groups against this country. Ranil is a stronger leader, he has changed over the years and now suitable to lead this country.

keithdekretzer Friday, 07 November 2014 09:50 PM

excellent choice...a man of integrity and incorruptible man he can unite everybody under one banner

mohamed Friday, 07 November 2014 11:19 PM

glad to hear this ohh God thank you very much for this news. the time is over for mr. am confident whole country will support to karu to become a president of this country. the man without bribe the man with lot of respect from the people. the man with great personalty. the man is great attitude. the man without proud. the man with great human being. God bless SRI LANKA

SpaceCab Friday, 07 November 2014 11:03 PM

Wow .. this is awesome news

kirala Friday, 07 November 2014 10:57 PM

Oh no! The guy who lost out to Paba aginst MR? This is not going to be a happy ending

silva Friday, 07 November 2014 10:54 PM

Utter defeat,, need ranil to contest.. or it should be sajith.. he lost to paba.. j cannot spit on this news.. if i can.. surely ill do

Empulze Friday, 07 November 2014 10:48 PM

Give the man a secind chance via DM Android App

Jazi Friday, 07 November 2014 10:49 PM

Excellent decision !!! Last hope for the democracy !!!! GOOD LUCK!!!

zanhar Friday, 07 November 2014 10:41 PM

Even pab a can defeat him no need mahinda

Rishi Friday, 07 November 2014 10:39 PM

Very good move !!

Blessing Friday, 07 November 2014 10:24 PM

Best and intelligent choice.

Sam Friday, 07 November 2014 10:12 PM

He looks aged and lethargic. UNP needs an energetic looking, younger person to run for President. In my opinion, Premadasa may be a good choice. He has the name to back it-up. The agricultural mass base in the South will resonate with Premadasa and the Urban working class will also support him.The older generation should be retained to bolster a new President. Sam

Nihal Friday, 07 November 2014 10:08 PM

At last some heart-warming news!

Mad-Hawa Friday, 07 November 2014 10:02 PM

Wish you the best for ending "this EKADIIPATHI VIYRUWA" who control Justice, Forces, even our life by doing night race and taking public wealth as their private property. We as young generation give full support for the sake of our future

TONY Friday, 07 November 2014 11:21 PM

IS KARU STRONG ENOUGH TO DEFEAT MR

Don Friday, 07 November 2014 09:43 PM

Common sense. He will have a fighting chance if free and fair election is held without the apparatus favouring one side.

Yoga Friday, 07 November 2014 09:38 PM

Excellent move.Watch out for rigging by the government

knight rider Friday, 07 November 2014 09:24 PM

A Good suggestion but still short of defeating Mahinda. Ranil is a good bet. Select a candidate who loves the country and its people. via DM Android App

russel Friday, 07 November 2014 09:14 PM

Thank you Sir for accepting honest man come and rule with jJUST AND FAIRNESSGOD IF IT IS YOUR WILL THANK YOU LORD . AMEN.For the people have beign suffering specialy the needy ,poor,helpless for much too long iorn fist rule.

Udaya Friday, 07 November 2014 08:49 PM

Finally they found the Gold... Mr. Karu Jayasuriya is an honorable politician with clean political background. My support to him. Jayavewaaaaa...

common man Friday, 07 November 2014 08:45 PM

The best candidate with all characters and leadership similar to the great Gamini Dissanayake

JKJ Friday, 07 November 2014 08:36 PM

This is the best common option we have, to defeat the regime

A.C.M.Inayathullah Friday, 07 November 2014 08:34 PM

The right choice and the countrymen who love the country should get to gether to support Karu who is a man of dignity.

rikas Friday, 07 November 2014 08:06 PM

how can you trust a person who messed up the entire political system of Sri Lanka buy waking over to SLFP with all our votes. MR would would not betray the country in that way i guess UNP is run by idiots now

TANTRIGE Friday, 07 November 2014 07:57 PM

CHECK MATE ! ALL ARE CAUGHT FLAT FOOTED. GOOD MOVE BY OPPOSITION.

Good Move-Finally Friday, 07 November 2014 07:54 PM

good move by all finally. If Mr. Ranil contest surely party will loose

Gerard Saturday, 08 November 2014 02:54 AM

I think this is great news. Hope its not a mirage

Rek Silge Saturday, 08 November 2014 07:14 AM

Heartening news I think for all,except for the ones that do not have a heart for their children and for the future ages. They in their self-seeking self-serving sectarian fanaticism.

Cobra Saturday, 08 November 2014 06:46 AM

Boru?

Pibi Saturday, 08 November 2014 06:43 AM

Man who took 17 people to return alone is the one who destroyed the whole political system in the country. Does he deserve to be the common candidate?

Duminda Saturday, 08 November 2014 06:34 AM

Karu! Jayawewa!

gayan Saturday, 08 November 2014 06:28 AM

This is the best option for opposition no doubt he can attract all the people who are against this corrupt regime with strong backing of Buddhist prelates his chances are very high .but karu upon winning and after abolishing presidency should hand over the preimership to RW to run the country,people of this country deserves his service and his rich western connections will be the source of strength towards rapid devolopment . unfortunately this good product had marketting difficulties. we are sure country is heading for prosperous future, hats offs to Ven Sobitha thera for his efforts .

SB Saturday, 08 November 2014 05:35 AM

Finally. Mission assigned to Sajith (to push Ranil as UNP candidate) was failed, as usual. Now we could see a close contest in the election.

sarath Saturday, 08 November 2014 05:29 AM

Karu is good but once bitten twice shy.he betrayed his own party.

jayasiri Saturday, 08 November 2014 04:28 AM

Karu does not show leadership qualities.

Waco Saturday, 08 November 2014 04:05 AM

High time for Ranil to retire.

nadeeka Saturday, 08 November 2014 03:44 AM

congratulations..Mr. Jayasuriya.. Finally ranil made a good decision

Namal Saturday, 08 November 2014 03:25 AM

Finally a good move by the UNP well done

bamboo Friday, 07 November 2014 07:45 PM

Aiyo Sajith. you are puss

Dammika Saturday, 08 November 2014 02:29 AM

it is false news as Ranil will never give up..

Dammika Saturday, 08 November 2014 02:09 AM

it is false news as Ranil will never give up.....

Nims Saturday, 08 November 2014 02:01 AM

You will never make it mate.

jeewan Saturday, 08 November 2014 01:01 AM

Triple C; Common Candidate of Columbians!

ismath Saturday, 08 November 2014 12:53 AM

ranil the great poltician

lesly jayawardana Saturday, 08 November 2014 12:33 AM

unp jvp JHU chandrika Rev.sobitha tamils muslims=65%votes

lesly jayawardana Saturday, 08 November 2014 12:33 AM

unp jvp JHU chandrika Rev.sobitha tamils muslims=65%votes

rasim Saturday, 08 November 2014 12:01 AM

election date is not announced yet buddy. what about CBK via DM Android App

Azee Friday, 07 November 2014 11:47 PM

This is great news via DM Android App

Abey Friday, 07 November 2014 11:42 PM

If it is true, this is the best political news I have had for along time. He is the only person who could unite all the opposition. A decent, a credible and sincere man with political views which could truly help all of Lanka.

dcn Friday, 07 November 2014 11:25 PM

Finally the good news.

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Karu to be common candidate?

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