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Video: Harin declines NYF Chair; hails Ruwan’s offer

24 Sep 2014 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The United National Party (UNP) Uva Province chief ministerial candidate Harin Fernando said today that he would not accept MP Ruwan Wijewardene’s proposal to appoint him as Chairman of the UNP National Youth Front (NYF).

“I’m truly honoured by his gesture but I don’t want to be NYF Chairman by ousting Ruwan. He should stay as the Chairman and I will always help him. He has already launched many programmes through the NYF with an upcoming general election in mind,” he said and added that Mr. Wijewardene was an honest politician with good qualities.

Mr. Fernando said Mr. Wijewardene would also have to give up his membership in the Leadership Council if he resigns as NYF Chairman.

“This is a huge sacrifice. I rejected his suggestion when he informed me of the decision yesterday. He has taken the decision even without informing the National Leader. No one knew about the decision until the last minute,” he told a news conference at Sirikotha.

Mr. Fernando, who topped the list of preferential votes in Badulla District, said he was the Chief Minister selected by the people in their hearts and minds though he may not be the Chief Minister on paper.

“That is why I was able to receive 173,933 preferential votes. No matter what the UPFA Government says in an effort to dilute our victory, the people know that the real winner is none other than the UNP,” he said and added that the Uva Provincial Council was rewarded with a strong and active opposition which would continue to pressure the ruling party to do what’s correct on behalf of the people. (Lahiru Pothmulla and Sanath Desmond)

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Pix by Nisal Baduge

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Video: Harin declines NYF Chair; hails Ruwan’s offer

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