Alliance only after naming Prez candidate

UNP deputy leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday the UNP should form an alliance with like-minded parties only after naming its presidential candidate.  

Referring to media reports that he had agreed with the Prime Minister that the Democratic National Front (DNF) led by the UNP should be set up as early as possible with a view to the presidential election, the minister said that though he is agreeable a thousand times over for the formation of such an alliance, it should take place only after announcing the presidential candidate.  

“Such an alliance should be formed only after naming the presidential candidate in accordance with the stand taken by a majority of UNP MPs and the majority decision of all political parties who had expressed their willingness to join such an alliance,” he said in a statement. “This is my personal opinion as well. Only if acted in this manner that the proposed alliance would emerge victorious and a large number of other parties and individuals will join and make it a strong alliance.”  

Mr. Premadasa said therefore it was necessary to refrain from publishing erroneous news reports and concentrate on nominating a presidential candidate and drafting 
an agreement.