Candidate to be named after EC announces nomination date

• nomination Board will decide on the candidate and ratified by working committee

By Yohan Perera 

UNP Legal Secretary Nissanka Nanayakkara yesterday said the candidate for the presidential election could be named only after the Election Commission notify the date to accept nominations for the election.   

Mr. Nanayakkara issuing a statement said UNP’s constitution does not have provisions to name a candidate until such time election commission declares the presidential election.   
Also, he said the candidate will be decided by a nomination board. “The nomination Board will decide on the candidate and this decision will have to be ratified by the working committee of the party according to article 9(e) of the constitution.   

This provision he said this provision was introduced to the party’s constitution during the time of the late President J. R. Jayewardene.   

Further, he said the party will call explanation from MPs Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Ven. Athureliye Ratana Thera who had crossed over to the opposition from the UNP.   

Mr. Nanayakkara issuing a statement said UNP’s constitution does not have provisions to name a candidate until such time election commission declares the presidential election.   
Also, he said the candidate will be decided by a nomination board. “The nomination Board will decide on the candidate and this decision will have to be ratified by the working committee of the party according to article 9(e) of the constitution.   

This provision he said was introduced to the party’s constitution during the time of the late President J. R. Jayewardene.   

Further, he said the party will call explanation from MPs Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Ven. Athureliye Ratana Thera who had crossed over to the opposition from the UNP.   

The party will call explanation from MPs Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Ven. Athureliye Ratana Thera who had crossed over to the opposition