UNP awaits new Working Committee: Kiriella

Thursday, 23 January 2020 02:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says new leadership cannot be appointed without WC approval, but unclear on convention date
Insists RW, SP and KJ must stand together if UNP to have best chance at Gen. Elections

MP Lakshman Kiriella yesterday said that any decision on party leadership will have to be approved by the Working Committee and be announced at a party convention, but was unclear when a new Working Committee would be appointed.

Commenting on the ongoing leadership standoff, Kiriella warned that it should not affect party unity, which is vital to face the upcoming General Election. Ranil Wickremesinghe as Party Leader will convene the new Working Committee soon, he said, but did not specify a date.

“As politicians, we shouldn’t chase positions. I say that as the party’s leaders need to be unified,” he said, pointing out that individually each leader needs to be aware of their limitations and work together, so that the party can enhance the support of the people.

“Ranil, Sajith and Karu have to stand together and serve the people, the people don’t care who the leader is, they just want the party to deliver,” he explained.

“Party unity is vital, we have little time to prepare for the next election,” he added.

UNP sources told the Daily FT that momentum is gathering in the party to offer a key leadership position to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya as a compromise, and move ahead with Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa holding secondary positions. However, Daily FT learns that this approach has been met with resistance from some factions, setting the stage for the leadership issue to drag on.

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