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Last Updated : 2024-04-24 09:41:00
24 January 2020 07:22 am - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The former ruling United National Front (UNF) is on the verge of splitting up for the upcoming general elections with minority alliance members likely to contest under their own symbols due to the ongoing leadership battle between UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
Already, alliance partners such as the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) has said that it will hold a meeting next Monday to discuss contesting under its own symbol, outside the UNF, in all 22 electoral districts in coalition with 'like minded progressive and patriotic parties' at the upcoming general elections.
The TPA consists of the Democratic People's Front, National Union of Workers and the Upcountry People's Front.
The Daily Mirror learns that other alliance partners such as the All Ceylon Muslim Congress (ACMC) led by Rishard Bathiudeen, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) led by Rauff Hakeem and Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) led by Champika Ranawaka have already expressed their dissatisfaction at the UNP's internal battle and informed Sajith Premadasa that in the event Ranil Wickremesinghe refuses to step down from the leadership, they would contest as a separate alliance under Premadasa.
A senior UNP MP told the Daily Mirror yesterday that Wickremesinghe was unlikely to step down from the leadership post 'anytime soon' and talks are currently underway by the Sajith faction to contest the general election under a separate alliance.
SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem said that his party had informed Sajith Premadasa that it would contest under one banner only if Sajith Premadasa leads a separate alliance in the event Wickremesinghe does not step down.
It is also learnt that the ACMC is looking at 'several options' before making its final decision.
Democratic People's Front (DPF) Leader Mano Ganesan said the TPA was discussing going all alone in the upcoming elections while there were suggestions that the party should align with the TNA as well.
"The main reason for us to consider these alternatives is the infighting within the UNP, the main coalition partner in UNF. We want a strong UNP, hence a strong UNF, but it looks as if some sections of the UNP are working in the interest of the government in a deal," Ganesan said.
"We do not interfere in the UNP leadership crisis, but we being a partner in the UNF, we cannot ignore it. There needs to be a reform in the UNP. There is a strong need for that. Sajith Premadasa and Karu Jayasuriya shall play lead roles to put the house in order along with Mr. Wickremesinghe. Let them decide who their leader is. But when such things are not happening we cannot just waste time but to look for alternate strategies," Ganesan added.
Earlier this week, UNP MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said that a final decision over the leadership crisis was likely to be taken by Friday but several UNP MPs told the Daily Mirror that it was unlikely a decision would be taken. (Jamila Husain)
Anmanpan Friday, 24 January 2020 07:40 AM
Good news. It was long overdue.
Kumara Dharmarathne Friday, 24 January 2020 07:44 AM
It's only now, the UNPers recognized who Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe is. He does not care the party, instead he is prepared even to join Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa in order to secure his party leadership. He is totally a different man than what he poses from outside. He is a man of greedy for leadership.
Sambo Friday, 24 January 2020 07:58 AM
When one cannot rule its own party how can it rule a government? May be Ranil and his stalwarts can support the SLPP in this election.
Andrew Silva Friday, 24 January 2020 10:59 AM
There is no point commenting on this crack pot. He does not have human qualities.
karsha Friday, 24 January 2020 11:17 AM
Hon MP , You Have proven
CHULANI Friday, 24 January 2020 11:21 AM
Ranil...........You are my HERO...........stay as UNP leader...........Sajith is a loser..........
Neville Friday, 24 January 2020 12:54 PM
Ranil will put the last nail on the coffin.
Nihal Friday, 24 January 2020 01:55 PM
Sajith will bring doom only to UNP
Degamboda Friday, 24 January 2020 02:20 PM
It has taken so long for Sajith and his allies to realize that Ranil has a deal with the SLPP to support it in return for saving Ranil from the Bond Scam issue.Accordingly Ranil is fully supported by the Govt. in the Leadership struggle.
upali jayasekera Friday, 24 January 2020 02:22 PM
Whether splitted or not UNP or any alliance with UNP is far behind with pohottuwa in the upcoming GeneralElection.
Samson Friday, 24 January 2020 03:17 PM
Ranil's UNP has no chance of winning sufficient seats, probably less than the JVP, but the split will ensure Premadasa gaining seats to continue as leader of Opposition.
Neo Friday, 24 January 2020 05:21 PM
I knew that pacha Ranawaka would one day cause trouble to the UNP too. He is the one who is puppeteering Sajith.
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