Dayasiri’s exit time for introspection for UNP says Karu

Thursday, 25 July 2013 01:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Dharisha Bastians Expressing deep regret about the fact that the United National Party had lost one of its young politicians with a promising future, senior

Opposition legislator and former deputy leader of the party Karu Jayasuriya called for a moment of introspection and self-evaluation yesterday. “He had the best possible future with the UNP,” Jayasuriya said referring to the defection of Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekera to the Government last afternoon. “There is no family bandyism in the UNP,” he said. Jayasuriya said that his exit was a moment to reflect on why people were quitting the UNP at a time when the situation in the country was deteriorating on the economic and other fronts. “This is a time when people should be coming from the Government to the Opposition,” he explained, adding that the defection offered a moment for introspection and self-evaluation within the UNP. “Unity is critical at this point. The UNP still has the best possible team to lead this country. It is our duty to strengthen this team and keep it strong and together,” the senior UNP Member said. When asked what changes need to be made in order to stem the erosion of MPs from the party, Jayasuriya said the key was to understand that even party members were people made of flesh and blood. “They have emotions and passions of their own. It is necessary to understand this and counsel and discuss our way through the issues,” he said. Building relationships within the party was key to future success, Jayasuriya reiterated. “One thing I know for certain, Dayasiri’s future was brighter with the UNP,” he said. Jayasuriya also said if UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had any differences of opinion he was ready to discuss them with the party leadership and patch things up, as his main concern was to bring the UNP back to power. Commenting on media reports that Wickremesinghe had invited Jayasuriya and Sajith Premadasa for a cordial discussion, Jayasuriya said he was still to receive such an invitation but he was ready to discuss any issue with Wickremesinghe, as there was nothing they could not get sorted out for the good of the party.