UNP will decide on prez candidate next week: Akila

By Yohan Perera 

UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said yesterday the party, together with its allies, would decide on its presidential candidate 
next week. 

The first indication in this regard came about through a Facebook posting by Kurunegala district MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha who speaks about a new political party as an alternative to the UNP. Also, there are posters put up on city walls announcing such a political entity in the making.   

Asked about the move, a UNP senior who supports Mr. Premadasa said it looks difficult to secure nomination from the party. He said the Premadasa loyalists would be compelled to form a new front in such an eventuality.   

“We have not taken any concrete decision in this regard. But, we are being compelled to take such alternative steps,” he said on condition of anonymity.  Mr. Premadasa requested UNP leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to call for a meeting of the Working Committee and the parliamentary group and conduct a secret ballot to decide on the candidate.   

We have not taken any concrete decision in this regard. But, we are being compelled to take such alternative steps