UNP Leader Final decision on Friday

Ranil, Sajith given one week deadline to settle issues

By JAMILA HUSAIN  

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa have been given a one week deadline to sort out issues between them and reach a final decision over the ongoing leadership crisis by party members who have vented their frustration, the Daily Mirror learns. 

So far, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Wickremesinghe and Premadasa are yet to sit at the table for talks but members remain hopeful that the three will meet before Friday.   Wickremesinghe had met Speaker Jayasuriya for talks last Sunday evening in the absence of Premadasa. But Premadasa is said to be discussing the matter with Jayasuriya who is seeking to settle the matter between the leaders as soon as possible.  

UNP MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam confirmed to Daily Mirror that Wickremesinghe had met Jayasuriya on Sunday evening and the party was working to reach a final decision by Friday.  “The leadership decision will be taken by Friday after which the parliamentary committee and working group committee will be informed,” Kariyawasam said.  

Several members have called for the issue to be settled without further delay due to the upcoming general elections which are likely to be held in the last week of April.  The Daily Mirror learns that in the event an amicable settlement is not reached, Premadasa will form his own alliance along with the minority parties in the UNF Alliance to contest the parliamentary polls. However several UNP MPs have urged for a settlement showing their dissatisfaction to allow the party to split.  Senior UNP MP Sagala Ratnayaka said last week that with the ongoing issues, the party will have to work extremely hard at winning the upcoming elections and securing a majority in Parliament.   

 “The leadership decision will be taken by Friday after which the parliamentary committee and working group committee will be informed,” Kariyawasam