The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and the United National Party (UNP) convened press conferences on Tuesday.

UPFA Matara District Candidate Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said that  although the preferential votes system is wrong, they are capable of making good use of it, adding that they can elect the suitable person.

Media Spokesperson of the UNP Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam noted that they never hope to engage in an election campaign seeking the preferential votes and they do not need an issue with the preferential votes.

He added what they need to do is ensure the victory of the United National Party and create one million job opportunities for the youth in the country.

Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, commenting on Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa contesting the upcoming polls, said they believe that they will be able to secure at least two seats without any issue from Kurunegala district.

Meanwhile, Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, extending a challenge to Mahinda Rajapaksa, said that ‘just because he parachuted to Kurunegala’ they will not allow him to win there, adding that large numbers have joined hands with the United National Party in its election campaign.

• Applications open for postal voting
• Another suspect linked to Chief Jailor’s murder arrested
• Brace for heavy rains today
• GMOA doctors launch islandwide strike
• “HR Conclave” attended by 30 leading organizations in Sri Lanka