Karu begins leadership campaign, to meet chief prelates

12 December 2011 06:00 pm

The United National Party (UNP) leadership struggle has intensified with the party reformists launching a campaign to woo the support of the party’s trade union sector, the Mahanayake Theras and other religious dignitaries for a leadership change.
 
UNP reformist and parliamentarian Ranjith Madduma Bandara said today that a UNP delegation led by leadership aspirant Co-Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya would call on the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters tomorrow to get their blessings for the struggle to bring about a leadership change in the party.
 
He said the delegation would also include parliamentarian Talatha Athukorale, party’s former assistant leader Rukman Senanayake and Imitiaz Bakeer Marker.

Mr. Bandara said the delegation would meet other religious leaders as well.

The UNP-affiliated Jathika Adyapana Sevaka Sangamaya pledged its support today, to Mr. Jayasuriya.
 
“I am the President of this Union. We passed a resolution in support of Mr. Jayasuriya.  Priyantha Pathberiya was the only member who opposed the resolution at Sirikotha,” Mr. Bandara said.
  
Meanwhile on Sunday, a group of lawyers who met at the residence of lawyer Gunaratne Wanninayake also pledged their support to Mr. Jayasuriya.

When asked about the present situation of their struggle, Mr. Bandara expressed confidence that the reformists could muster a majority of votes at the Working Committee and thus would be able to bring about a leadership change. (Kelum Bandara)