Once UNP forms alliance Speaker will resign to contest Presidential poll: SLPP

• We, the SLPP, have no issue regarding this

By Lahiru Pothmulla  

Once the alliance led by the United National Party (UNP) is formed, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya will resign from the post to contest the presidential election, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said yesterday.  

 MP Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said the Speaker will resign as soon as the alliance is formed. “I challenge Speaker Jayasuriya to admit, if he can, that he will not be a presidential candidate,” the MP told a news briefing.  He said Prime Minister and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was attempting to protect his party leadership and that Mr. Jayasuriya supports him in this.   

“There is no one capable enough to give a fight to Premier Wickremesinghe in the UNP. No one can prevent the party from being split into three. Mr. Jayasuriya is trying to save the UNP leadership and contest the presidential poll. We, the SLPP, have no issue regarding this,” he said.