We will free the UNP from wheeler dealers: SJB

• We’re still UNPers and decided to unite the party and free it from the clutches of those making deals with the Govt.

By Yohan Perera   

Claiming it is the real United National Party (UNP), the former UNP MPs who joined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said yesterday its working committee had decided to free the party from the clutches of those whom the SJB alleged were involved in deals with the government.   

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduuma Bandara, Kabir Hashim and Lakshman Kiriella, who held a joint news conference yesterday confirmed that its working committee had approved a resolution to this effect.   
“We are still UNPers and we have decided to unite the UNP and to free it from the clutches of those who are involved in deals with the government,” Mr. Hashim said. He said they would take action against their suspension from the UNP soon after the election.   

Mr. Kiriella said SJB was formed with the approval of the UNP working committee. “Sajith Premadasa was made the leader of SJB and Ranjih Madduma Bandara was named General Secretary with the approval of the UNP working committee,” he said.   

He said five President’s counsel would appear on behalf of the UNPers whose party membership was suspended. “We will start working from Sirikotha after the elections,” Mr. Kiriella said.   

Meanwhile, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said he would file action against the suspension from the UNP membership at an appropriate time.   

We are still UNPers and we have decided to unite the UNP and to free it from the clutches of those who are involved in deals with the government