Range Bandara on general elections: UNP should contest only under ‘elephant’ symbol

• Says will discuss the issue with other UNP members and present a proposal at the next working committee meeting 

By Yohan Perera 

Puttalam District UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara said the party should contest the general elections in alliance with other parties only under the elephant symbol. 

“A majority of UNP MPs want the elephant symbol. A group of 58 UNP MPs who prefer the elephant symbol had already met party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. The elephant symbol should not be compromised. This symbol is known to people in the estate sector and those in the north and coastal areas. Therefore, it is essential that the party contest under the elephant symbol. We will discuss the issue with other UNP members and then present a proposal at the next working committee meeting,” he said, adding that the UNP contested under the elephant symbol when contesting in alliance with others except in the case of presidential elections. 
When inquired about the general secretary post in the new alliance, he said the post should be given to a UNPer. He added that there would be an advisory committee on nominations though opposition leader Sajith Premadasa would be the head of the nomination board.   

A majority of UNP MPs want the elephant symbol. A group of 58 UNP MPs who prefer the elephant symbol had already met party leader Ranil

 “A majority of UNP MPs want the elephant symbol. A group of 58 UNP MPs who prefer the elephant symbol had already met party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. The elephant symbol should not be compromised. This symbol is known to people in the estate sector and those in the north and coastal areas. Therefore, it is essential that the party contest under the elephant symbol. We will discuss the issue with other UNP members and then present a proposal at the next working committee meeting,” he said, adding that the UNP contested under the elephant symbol when contesting in alliance with others except in the case of presidential elections. 

When inquired about the general secretary post in the new alliance, he said the post should be given to a UNPer. He added that there would be an advisory committee on nominations though opposition leader Sajith Premadasa would be the head of the nomination board.   

• Elephant symbol known to people in the estate sector and those in the north and coastal areas