Sajith’s faction disregards call by PM

• Decides to proceed with Kurunegala rally

By Kelum Bandara 

Despite the request made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe for cessation of agitation seeking presidential candidacy to Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister Sajith Premadasa, the faction loyal to him has decided to proceed with their public rally scheduled for September 5 in Kurunegala, Daily Mirror learns.  

They have also convened the party’s local government representatives to Colombo for a meeting as part of their campaign demanding presidential candidacy to Mr. Premadasa. 
In his capacity as party leader, the premier held a meeting last Friday with party seniors backing both him and Mr. Premadasa and requested them to stop all forms of public rallies and meetings without party approval. He said such activities would be in breach of party discipline. However, the Premadasa faction will hold the rally on September 5 in Kurunegala. 
Upon his return from the Maldives, Mr. Wickremesinghe will hold a meeting with party seniors on September 7 to discuss the present crisis.