The newly added 1.7 million voters to the electoral register would be the decisive factor at the next Presidential election. Therefore, the UNP should speak to these voters who want a clean candidate, said the party’s National Organiser, Plantation Industries Minister Navin Dissanayake.
The Minister was speaking to a group of potato farmers at the Cooperative Assembly in Nuwara Eliya on Sunday.
He said the Presidential Election would be held first this year. However, the UNP is very strong now and is ready even for a general election.
Minister Dissanayake said when it comes to the Presidential candidate, there is no unity among the Rajapaksa siblings in contesting the election. Even some senior SLFPers like Kumara Welgama are not in agreement with Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
“However, Chamal Rajapaksa as a senior politician might also feel it is unfair if they neglect him.”
But, the National Organiser said, his party despite some minor clashes, has unity and harmony compared to the other political parties. “Our party has not been restricted to particular families. Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has already created a second line of leaders such as Sajith Premadasa and myself.”
Minister Dissanayake also said there were many defamatory posts were being shared on Facebook against the UNP’s Deputy Leader, Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa. “The tree that bears fruit will be stoned,” he added.
Speaking about the people of Nuwara Eliya, Minister Dissanayake said that it was no other party than the UNP which had given them benefits.
Through the Gamperaliya programme and the Budget to be presented in March, more benefits will be given to them, he said.
from daily news