UNP makes breakthrough, new leader likely by next week

12 September 2020 03:12 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The United National Party is likely to announce a new leader by mid next week after senior members and the key contenders to the leadership post held successful meetings on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, a senior member told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

"We have held successful meetings and moved steps forward. We are now reaching towards an amicable compromise, which is being seen after a long time," the senior source said.

Discussions held over the week have also revolved around a complete transformation of the party and there will be some key changes made. The Daily Mirror learns that as of last night the contenders have been shortlisted and more discussions over the weekend will lead to a final decision being made.

The United National Party, which is currently led by Ranil Wickremesinghe was expected to announce a new leader before the party's 74th anniversary which was held on September 6. However talks among the members failed as no compromise was reached with at least 5 people vying for the leadership.

Mr. Wickremesinghe however has remained firm that he will hand over the leadership only once a united decision is reached among its party members and the party should not be divided further.

Some of the contenders for the leadership are Ruwan Wijewardene, Ravi Karunanayake, Arjuna Ranatunga, Vajira Abeygunawardena and Akila Viraj Kariyawasam. (JAMILA HUSAIN)

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Comments - 11

Namal Perera Saturday, 12 September 2020 07:29 PM

If Ranil and the rejected members get involved in the selection of the New Leader, consider the coffin is nailed for good.

abc Saturday, 12 September 2020 07:33 PM

If indeed UNP leadership will change. Ruwan Wijewardene is the most suitable man for the job. He is the youngest among the rest of the contenders. Ravi k is very unpopular among general public. Actually he should be stay away from UNP. Arjuna is not a hard core UNPer. WAJIRA

Andare Saturday, 12 September 2020 07:47 PM

Nonsense ! Ranil will not step down until 2025.

dickie bird Saturday, 12 September 2020 07:50 PM

Eureka !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FF Saturday, 12 September 2020 07:58 PM

OH RAVI K IS NOW A CONTENDER. THAT IS BAD NEWS FOR THE UNP

Sumal Saturday, 12 September 2020 08:06 PM

Wondering how Ravi and Vajira deal makers became contenders

dutugamunu1 Saturday, 12 September 2020 08:45 PM

Ranil wickramasinghe resigned and new leader is R.wickramasinghe

Mohan Saturday, 12 September 2020 09:13 PM

They are not worth talking about! If they need so many weeks to think of kicking Ranil and finding a replacement it must be worse than angoda

B.Ramakumar Saturday, 12 September 2020 09:28 PM

impossible RW never give up his leadership in till he die

Kannoo Suda Monday, 14 September 2020 12:42 PM

Means Ranil will die next week.

CITIZEN Monday, 14 September 2020 05:43 PM

Ravi is also a contender! He will not only sell the Party but even the building with all the furnitures and the fittings!!

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UNP makes breakthrough, new leader likely by next week

Comments - 11

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