UNP goes for polls today

By Chamitha Kuruppu

Sri Lanka’s largest and one of the oldest political parties, the UNP for the first time in its history will hold an election today to elect its leadership.

The decision to fix the dates for the much hyped election was taken by the working committee on Sunday.

The working committee had decided to hold the elections for posts of the party leader, deputy leader and the national organiser following several nominations received for the positions.

UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya challenging his leader Ranil Wickremasinghe, handed over nominations to contest for the UNP leadership.

The working committee meeting held yesterday unanimously appointed Gamini Jayawickrama Perera as the chairman of the party and Joshep Michel Perera as assistant leader.

Hambanthota district parliamentarian and UNP co-Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa, North Central Provincial council opposition leader Anuradha Nayake and Kaduwela Pradehiya Sabha Opposition Leader Priyantha Pathberiya  handed over nominations for the post of deputy leader while Kurunegala district parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekara, Eastern Provincial Council Opposition Leader Daya Gamage and Suranga Naullage handed over nominations for the post of national organisers, UNP general Secretary Tissa Attanayake told the Daily FT.

The nominations for the above posts are open till Monday 10.30 a.m. Some speculate that Colombo District Parliamentarian Ravi Karunayake is also to field his nominations for the post of Deputy Leader.

Ravi Karunanayake was not immediately available for comments.