Fri, 29 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Ranil consolidates position

19 July 2012 01:41 pm - 53     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today consolidated his position at the party helm , after the party’s Working Committee did away with the annual secret ballot for the election of its leader and other office bearers, and instead decided to hold it only once in six years.

It was also decided that the appointments to the posts of General Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman would  be done at the discretion of the party leader.

The UNP introduced amendments to its constitution last year, providing for the appointment of its office bearers through a secret ballot among working committee members whenever there was no consensus for it.  Accordingly, the party held its first secret ballot in December last year, reappointing Mr. Wickremesinghe as the leader.  In addition, Daya Gamage was elected as the national organizer and Sajith Premadasa as the deputy leader.  

Later, a committee headed by President’s Counsel Srinath Perera proposed that the party should do away with it, as otherwise it could affect the unity of the party.

UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake told the Daily Mirror online that President’s Counsel Tilak Marapana, based on recommendations by this committee, moved a resolution calling for the abolition of Section 8-I of the party constitution which provided for annual secret ballots.

 “It was adopted unanimously.  Now, the party leader will be appointed once in six years only. Also, the deputy leader, the assistant leader and the national organizer will be appointed for a similar period through the majority approval of the Working Committee,” he said.

“At the election of office bearers through a secret ballot last time, there was a major commotion. The    property of Sirikotha building was also damaged,” he said. (Kelum Bandara)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 53

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Prof Hemantha Wickra Friday, 20 July 2012 09:08 AM

    Not a mild but a huge one!

    Bryan Nicholas Friday, 20 July 2012 05:15 AM

    Is this DEMOCRACY? Better change the Symbol of the party from Elephant to Donkey !!!

    wot to do Friday, 20 July 2012 05:36 AM

    What is the lure of being OL for so long,24 years,quarter century as OL by 2017 !
    If the UNP and its various side pockets cannot agree on a common agenda why not start NUP ? (National United Party)

    JR became president late in life,he had a agenda and was consistent in taking on Sirimavo & Felix and by 1975 ,JR was defacto leader.All knew JR & UNP will come in 77,yet he never relaxed.

    Amarathunga Chandika Friday, 20 July 2012 05:55 AM

    Baba, please add Fools, foolish Royal method this will sound better.

    kumudu Friday, 20 July 2012 06:03 AM

    UNP can win only when rullling party fail. UNP will also fail. Party's wins and voters are the losers.

    achala Friday, 20 July 2012 06:10 AM

    How can he deliver democracy to country, without delivering democracy to his own party

    Farzan Friday, 20 July 2012 06:41 AM

    One only leader who loses elections for more than a decade. shame on you.

    Rahumathullah Husain Friday, 20 July 2012 06:52 AM

    This means the present Government will continue to be in power for another six years without any formidable challenge. All poor Sri-lankans have to pay for it,

    Sathish Friday, 20 July 2012 07:36 AM

    Country is going to dangerous end...... $$$$$

    suhail modera Friday, 20 July 2012 07:47 AM

    it's a Ranil Wickremesinghe political strategy implementations systems

    Mahinda Leelaratne Friday, 20 July 2012 07:56 AM

    This is a good move for the president to develop the country and save it from all enemy forces.

    ramkuumar Friday, 20 July 2012 08:25 AM

    Back door entry, Mr.Ranil, can u be the opposition leader to Democratic country, why don;t you join government right now.

    boston Friday, 20 July 2012 08:32 AM

    Why only 3 posts.? Get yourself to appoint all the posts in the party and be the opposition leader for ever.

    supun s Friday, 20 July 2012 08:51 AM

    First, in late 70s', by yankee dikee, it was the dream of singapore and now the 'switzerland'. God bless das!

    A.FAIZAL SULAIMAN Friday, 20 July 2012 05:08 AM

    Make gournment more strong

    Wara Friday, 20 July 2012 09:33 AM

    This is called Democracy !

    Tony Friday, 20 July 2012 09:48 AM

    Way to play the straight drive.

    Bonda Friday, 20 July 2012 10:07 AM

    Who do you think would be the happiest

    Dadoriya Friday, 20 July 2012 10:39 AM

    Now it the time for the General to get the rest of the democratic UNP members and form a strong party.

    peeda mossa Friday, 20 July 2012 04:53 PM

    UNP will languish in the opposition next six years, with the possibility of an extension of another six.

    Senaka Friday, 20 July 2012 05:09 PM

    Ranil is the best politician in our country. He is too genuine for this country. He deserves the leadership for 6 years. Best wishes!

    Ran banda Friday, 20 July 2012 11:27 PM

    Let's send him a boat to OZ

    Hasthi Saturday, 21 July 2012 12:00 AM

    Yes, Ranil will also join (dressed as a clown)!

    Hope wikileaks can get a video out soon.

    Hasthi Saturday, 21 July 2012 12:11 AM

    Ranil must have been casting his secret vote for the SLFP all this time. No wonder he likes it to be a secret vote.

    MR Saturday, 21 July 2012 12:25 AM

    Heard Ranil got a pay raise and a new car from gov

    NonResident Saturday, 21 July 2012 12:50 AM

    Ranil consolidates position! MR further consolidates position!

    Yehiya Saturday, 21 July 2012 08:42 AM

    Keep the election once in the life time but do the fair job. Oterwise you have to stay as leader to only srikotha.

    Jagath Thursday, 19 July 2012 07:55 PM

    UNP is now history. Poor supporters no Future!!!!

    Dhanapala Godage Thursday, 19 July 2012 02:44 PM

    This is what many people were waiting for. Now, Sajith and group need to support Ranil unconditionally. No pulling the leg. Then UNP can win the people.

    rehan Thursday, 19 July 2012 02:56 PM

    Oheppalayang.......................

    Chooty Thursday, 19 July 2012 03:05 PM

    Jaya Jaya wewa, best ever democracy on the planet.

    peeda mossa Thursday, 19 July 2012 03:33 PM

    Six year time frame is much too short. Make it twelve. ' Heil Ranil !'

    GAGA Thursday, 19 July 2012 03:28 PM

    At least now, who cant come in line with the leader pls stop the nonsense from now on...........time to strengthen the leader ..

    lk Thursday, 19 July 2012 03:45 PM

    so now Ranil too can win every 6 years?

    Rajitha Thursday, 19 July 2012 03:36 PM

    what a democratic leader.

    Dylan Thursday, 19 July 2012 04:20 PM

    This is the best move of the opposition for an election victory

    Taurus Thursday, 19 July 2012 04:50 PM

    Leader of Opposition for lifrtime. Jayawewa!

    kiribath Thursday, 19 July 2012 05:36 PM

    SLPers can do any thing now, from today SL will be a one party state, atleast for the next 25 years.

    sujeewa p Thursday, 19 July 2012 05:55 PM

    Victory of the government.

    das Thursday, 19 July 2012 06:36 PM

    Ranil is the best choice we have .. once he elcted as president Sri Lanka will be a developed country like swisterland
    God bless Ranil

    maju Thursday, 19 July 2012 01:51 PM

    party at temple trees tonight

    Manik Friday, 20 July 2012 12:11 AM

    Happiest man in SL?!!!!

    AAMS.HAMEEO Friday, 20 July 2012 01:05 AM

    Unbreakable partner and opening batsman till last

    Fazli Friday, 20 July 2012 03:00 AM

    Virtually, Ranil will be the UNP leader for the rest of life. Thats for sure.

    kappa Friday, 20 July 2012 03:32 AM

    so when is the next election?

    Nodrog Friday, 20 July 2012 03:35 AM

    The end of the UNP and the opposition.

    Wara Friday, 20 July 2012 03:43 AM

    and Opposition leader for lifetime as well !

    athula Friday, 20 July 2012 03:49 AM

    royal method of solving problems

    Kiris Baba Amaray Friday, 20 July 2012 04:21 AM

    You must add - Cunning Archers Royal Method Solving their personnel problems, which will sound better.

    Al Rasa Friday, 20 July 2012 04:31 AM

    A mild smile in the face of MR

    Cassim Friday, 20 July 2012 04:31 AM

    Never ending opposition....

    GP Friday, 20 July 2012 04:47 AM

    Congradulations for Sri Lanka's longest serving opposition leader, keep it up

    Bulathkolaya Friday, 20 July 2012 04:55 AM

    beginning of the end of the road for UNP


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H