Two fractions of UNP to sign MoU to contest poll

Two fractions of the UNP which have expressed different views on the symbol which should be used for the general election are slated to sign an MoU to contest the poll in uniformity, former MP Rajitha Senaratne said today.

Dr. Senaratne told a press conference that the MoU will be signed to ensure that the government is given a challenge at the general election. “We will be able to pose a challenge to the government and even defeat it at the election if unity is established within the party," he said.

"We are also willing to appoint a new General Secretary to the UNP who would be welcomed by UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa and others," he added.

Asked whether the existing General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam is ready to resign, the former MP said Mr. Kariyawasam is willing to.

“We are confident that Mr. Premadasa and others would welcome this move, Dr. Senaratne said both myself and MP Lakshman Kiriella had already discussed the issue with him" he said.

Also he said the moves that are under way to appoint Karu Jayasuriya to lead the election campaign. "We have already discussed the issue with Mr. Jayasuriya and had responded positively to our request to lead the campaign" he also said.

Dr. Senaratne was confident that Sajith Premadasa would welcome this move as well.(Yohan Perera)