UNP calls for unanimous decision on leadership

• Says senior members have to work together to rebuild party 
• Leadership issue likely to be discussed at Working Committee meeting today 

The United National Party (UNP) releasing a statement yesterday called on its senior members to work towards reaching a unanimous decision regarding their next leader to take the party forward.

Ruwan Wijewardene

UNP Deputy Secretary General Ruwan Wijewardene releasing the statement said there was a need to reach a unanimous decision by rejecting dissent as it was essential for the UNP to re-emerge stronger after its worst election defeat last week. 

Several names have been put forward for the leadership position and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has requested the contenders to present proposals on how to restructure and take the party forward. The issue of a new leader is expected to be discussed at the party’s Working Committee meeting today. 

UNP Deputy Leader Ravi Karunanayake and General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam are among the senior members who have been proposed. 

The full statement released by Wijewardene is given below:

“It is clear that the United National Party has reached a crucial junction.

“In the face of the setback we suffered in the last General Election, we as a party, as well as myself personally, are of the view that we need to re-emerge stronger than before and that a comprehensive reorganisation program is essential.

“To this end, all members of the party have already reached a consensus to carry out the relevant reorganisation and restructuring process under a new leader. Different names have been suggested for different responsibilities and it seems that there is a subtle competition between the senior members of the party and their supporters.

“The UNP is not a model of a family-dominated political party that has emerged from time to time in the history of this country. There is no shortage of leaders in the party today who will come forward to lead us. 

“We, as a political party, have achieved victories in the past, setbacks in the face of various political challenges and have risen again with great strength. All the while our members have united to protect the party, its leadership and its supporters.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the need to reach a unanimous decision by rejecting dissent, while working resolutely to protect the country, the nation and the party.”