UNP John’s comments on Karu

9 December 2011 05:32 pm

UNP Gampaha District local government representatives today expressed their disappointment and said they were disheartened over UNP MP John Amaratunge’s recent comments on Karu Jayasuriya lacking eligibility to contest as Opposition leader and said that such statements were made to prevent a new leadership from emerging in the party.

Wattala Pradeshiya Saba member, Malcolm Perera said that it is vital for the party to choose a new Opposition leader with immediate effect. “The election for a new leader is to be held because the party constitution allows it and will be held according to its provisions. If the Opposition Leader does not allow an election for a new leader, then it is equivalent to a dictatorship,” Perera said.

He said that Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was a good leader but that he did not have the support of the people which is why a new leadership is required.

“The opposition leader has lost 17 elections. That being the case it is necessary to have a new leader at this time,” Perera said.

Amaratunge addressing the media recently came out strongly against Jayasuriya’s decision to contest for the party leadership stating that he and several others in the party were better qualified for the position than Jayasuriya. “We are very disappointed in John Amaratunge’s comments. Such comments are unnecessary and will only cause a rift in the party. We believe Karu Jayasuriya will make a good leader for the party,” Ja-ela Pradeshiya Saba member Shirantha Amarasekera said. (Olindhi Jayasundere)