Until eleventh hour, UNP will strive to contest together

Talks are ongoing to get all factions of the UNP to contest the general election together before nominations close on Thursday, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told a press conference held yesterday.

“We are making every effort to get all factions of the party under one roof. However, we will be compelled to contest independently if other groups do not agree,” he said.

When asked if Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the UNP would confront each other at the election, he said such an eventuality may not arise as efforts were being made to bring about unity among both sides. Nevertheless, he reiterated that the UNP Working Committee only approved the setting up of an alliance and hence the SJB had been registered as a party.

Commenting on COVID-19, he said the government was yet to respond positively to the request made by the UNP leader for an all-party discussion on the crisis situation.

“If the need arises, the government should grant concessions for the purchase of essential items. Health experts demand a curfew if the situation aggravates. As experts highlight different views on the crisis, we should identify the right picture,” he said. (Yohan Perera)