Four names for UNP ticket

UNP MP for Anuradhapura District Chandima Gamage mentioned Public Enterprise Development Minister Lakshman Kiriella as yet another possible presidential candidate alongside Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister Sajith Premadasa.

Addressing a press conference at Temple Trees, he said the party had four eligible candidates, and a final decision would be made in the future at the appropriate time. The media conference was organized by the Development Communication Unit attached to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office.

He said even the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) was yet to announce its candidate, and therefore the UNP was not in a hurry to announce its candidate.

“Once the SLPP announces, we will announce our candidate. If Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa nominates Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the candidate, we will field someone appropriately,” he said.

He said the UNP was not a communal party, and doors were open for all the communities.

“There is no space for racists,” Mr. Gamage who is the son of late north-central province Chief Minister G.D. Mahindasoma said.

Asked about the formation of an alliance with other parties, he said two MPs of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) would join hands with the UNP soon. He said one of them was a strong SLFPer from the Anuradhapura district. (Kelum Bandara)