I will contest no matter what

By Hasitha Ranga Gunathilake

“I will contest the presidential election no matter what. I will not take a step back  even by a millimetre in this regard,” said UNP deputy leader Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister  Sajith Premadasa.   

He said this at a function in Colombo on September 7. He was addressing local government members of the UNP. He made such remarks amid reports that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his intention to contest the elections.   

Mr. Premadasa said, “I have to tell one more thing to UNPers. I will ensure a prime minister from the UNP. The President offered me premiership on a platter on 71 occasions. I will not accept portfolios through the backdoor. I will reach the highest echelon of my political career through the front door.   

He said, “I don’t want to cash in on my father’s legacy. I have worked and shown results. I have not looted public wealth. I understand the pulse of rural people.”   

The President offered me premiership on a platter on 71 occasions. I will not accept portfolios through the backdoor. I will reach the highest echelon of my political career through the front door