UNP has no deal with Govt. to arrest Sajith: Akila

• A SLPP-SJB deal more of a possibility

By Yohan Perera   

There is no deal between the government and the United National Party (UNP) to arrest Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariywasam said yesterday. 

He told a news conference that instead a deal between the government and the SJB was more of a possibility with the government gaining from the split in the UNP.   

“It were those who formed the SJB who separated from the UNP despite the offer made to Mr. Premadasa to make him the Prime Ministerial candidate, to form an alliance and to appoint him as the head of the nomination board. In addition I offered to step down from the post of general secretary to pave the way for the SJB General Secretary to be appointed as the new UNP General Secretary. However, it was Mr. Premadasa and his supporters who decided to contest separately,” Mr. Kariyawasam said.  He said he was unaware about any misappropriation of money in the Central Cultural Fund (CCF).  “I was a member of the CCF Administrative Council in my capacity of being the Chairman of the UNESCO National Commission and no one sought the Council’s approval to spend any funds. 

•  I was a member of the CCF Administrative Council in my capacity of being  the Chairman of the UNESCO National Commission and no one sought the  Council’s approval to spend any funds