16 August 2011 07:42 am
UNP Reformist MP Ranjith Madhuma Bandara told a news conference today that the proposed Sathyagahra would be a first step towards putting the party in the winning track. The Sathyagraha is to be held at 2pm near Sirikotha tomorrow.
Mr. Madduma Bandara explained that unity in the party is the most essential factor today and it is the common belief that Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya is the best person to achieve it on behalf of the UNP.
Responding to an argument that the party leader and the opposition leader had to be the same person, he said those who come out with this opinion is not aware of history as there was an instance where the late J. R. Jayewardene became the opposition leader in 1970 while thelate Dudley Senanayake remained as the party leader.
Reformist MP Sujeewa Senasinghe said both posts should be given to Mr. Jayasuriya if it is the case that they should be held by the same person.
Mr. Senasinghe said they would also lobby for the appointment of party strongman Imitiaz Bakeer Marker as the party’s mayoral candidate for the Colombo Municipal Council at the coming local government election.
MP Rosy Senanayake who also participated in the news conference said the party’s vote base will be reduced to less than 20 percent if it is not organised in a proper manner to face elections. Ms. Senanayake recalled that the party suffered defeats at the last elections as the campaign machinery was not planned in the desired manner. (Yohan Perera)