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UNP to nominate Sajith as candidate on conditions

25 September 2019 12:07 am - 19     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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There was general agreement among the seniors of the United National Party (UNP) to nominate Minister Sajith Premadasa as the presidential candidate but on certain conditions to be stipulated in writing, Daily Mirror learns. The UNP seniors backing both Party Leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mr.Premadasa met on Tuesday (24) to work out some arrangement to agree on the candidacy.

The Prime Minister is reportedly in agreement that candidacy could be offered to Mr.Premadasa but on condition that he (Mr.Wickremesinghe) should remain the UNP Leader and the Prime Minister. Also, there has to be a commitment from Mr.Premadasa to abolish executive presidency.

Mr.Wickremesinghe’s position is that a power devolution package based on a consensus reached the parliamentary steering committee should be worked out to resolve the Tamil national question. (Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)


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  Comments - 19

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  • Buwa Wednesday, 25 September 2019 07:48 AM

    Why should people vote for Sajith if he agrees to abolish the presidency and then be a minister again?

    Kumara Dharmarathne Wednesday, 25 September 2019 07:51 AM

    UNP seniors and Prime Minister, have no right to put conditions on Mr. Sajith Premadasa on the presidential candidature,because they are not authorized by grass root level UNP supporters to do so. That's a matter with the people not the Prime Minister or the seniors. Why Mr. Wickremasinghe is so greedy for the party leadership? Shame on him. If he wants to remain in premiership, ok acceptable, not other conditions. Mr. Sajith Premadasa should be free to work as a President according to the country's constitution.

    Yeti Wednesday, 25 September 2019 07:52 AM

    The Sirisena Ranil power struggle will look like nothing when compared to Ranil Sajith power struggle. Why should Sajith win a presidential election just to hand over an all powerful prime minister post to Ranil and then sit back as just a minister?

    Ama Wednesday, 25 September 2019 08:35 AM

    We don't want RW as prime minister. We are sick of him.

    Abdul Azeez Wednesday, 25 September 2019 08:42 AM

    Ranil will never leave power.Until his death he want to be the UNP leader.Every one knows if he contest he can't get even 200000 votes.He is destroying the party for his own benefit .he must leave politics immediately before people hit him with their shoes and force him to leave.If he still want to keep his respect he must leave now. People know who is behind the treasury bond scam and other theft.

    Bhagawaan Wednesday, 25 September 2019 08:43 AM

    Again violate the party rules, as needed . People will follow the leaders footsteps Don’t you don’t need Law and order in this country. Let police and judicial services become really independent or abolish them

    Leo Wednesday, 25 September 2019 09:00 AM

    Shame that RW has to come through the back of someone as he knows that he can't win directly, if that's not a sign for him to retire I don't know what is. Cunning move though as abolishing executive presidency gives the PM more powers.

    nanda Wednesday, 25 September 2019 09:02 AM

    If RW remain as the PM and Sajith as President, the same government and policy will prevail and the same or more disputes between PM and President can be seen.

    Gajalakshmi Paramasivam Wednesday, 25 September 2019 09:03 AM

    Great solution.

    perera Wednesday, 25 September 2019 09:08 AM

    PM please understand that when something become outdated or obsolete or no longer useful that needs to be removed or replaced, remember the evolution theory, so we suggest you step down gracefully, before someone show you the doors !

    Samare Wednesday, 25 September 2019 09:25 AM

    So Ranil is the real dictator here. Doesn't matter what happens next he wants to continues as a Prime minister and unp leader. Really shameful.

    sena Wednesday, 25 September 2019 09:26 AM

    Ranil shouldn't be the PM. What he has done in the past four years. How many criminals are still out 'cos of him

    Raj Silva Wednesday, 25 September 2019 09:30 AM

    Sajith need not give anything in writing to RW, as he is damaging the party's chances day by day. We do not know what RW's agenda is with certain other Candidates?

    Manu Wednesday, 25 September 2019 09:37 AM

    If Sir Sajith said what may come he is going to contest and is wanted by many in the party and by people why he should accept the conditions put by RW and his coons? It will be worse than the Yalahapana.

    xlntgson Wednesday, 25 September 2019 10:25 AM

    Condition 1. UNP should win parliamentary election 2. without two thirds majority impossible to repeal executive presidency or for a new constitution, so, these conditions are nothing!

    Roshanaly Wednesday, 25 September 2019 12:08 PM

    He is worse than MR and JR.

    Don U Wednesday, 25 September 2019 01:42 PM

    Ranil will be the real president and Sajith will be a puppet. We will be lost again.

    Upali Senewiratne Wednesday, 25 September 2019 02:07 PM

    If Ranil wants to keep the premiership no body will vote for UNP. Sajith should be appointed for Presidency unconditionally if UNP is to come into power

    Raja Senanayake Friday, 27 September 2019 03:55 PM

    ts a pity that Ranil the great liberal democrat internationally acclaimed is not appreciated by the fools here.


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