UNP contesting all local government bodies on its own

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) yesterday said the party for the first time will contest on its own in all the local bodies at the forthcoming elections.

UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya told a press conference that the party’s move to contest on its own was also indicative of the party’s strength.

He added that the forthcoming elections would send a strong message to the governing party even though it may emerge victorious.

Jayasuriya also called on Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake to wipe out the black marks in the country’s elections held in the past by ensuring a free and fair election at the local government polls in March this year.