Ranaweera says S’gamuwa CM should be from Rathnapura

25 July 2012 08:14 am

Former minister and UPFA candidate Jayathissa Ranaweera said the Sabaragamuwa PC Chief Minister must be someone from Ratnapura.

“During the entire tenure of the UPFA the CM has almost always been from the Kegalle District, with the Ratnapura District being sidelined. Therefore it is of paramount importance that the next Chief Minister must be selected from Ratnapura,” Mr. Ranaweera said.

He said the party had clearly stated that seniority and experience would be the criteria for selection.

“I am the most senior politician from Ratnapura and have served at all levels of government during my years in politics. I have been a minister and have a lot of experience in many matters of governance. The people of Ratnapura have always been with me therefore I believe that I am the most suitable candidate for the post and I’m contesting with the hope of becoming the Chief Minister,” he said.

When Daily Mirror asked Mr. Ranaweera whether he was confident that the UPFA would emerge victorious at the polls, Mr. Ranaweeera said yes.

“There is no competition in the province and the people are with the President. We have the President’s blessings and therefore there is no second guessing about the UPFA sweeping the polls,” he said. ( By Hafeel Farisz)