Former UNP General Secretary speaks about the future of the party leadership

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - Former UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake visited Digana in Kandy today (March 18) to inquire into the well being of the people and the damage caused to property by the recent unrest in the area. During the visit, Attanayake stated that “We must accept many of the facts contained in this report. On the one hand, steps must be taken to bring the UNP closer to the grass-roots. The Panditha committee has put forward several proposals on this.” He further stated that these represent the feelings of the UNPer and that if the recommendations had been implemented and if it had trickled down to the villages, the UNP could have built a much stronger force. He asked the question “Can the UNP bear the loss it was dealt at the local government elections?” Responding to his own question he believes that this is the first time a party suffered such a large defeat while being in power. He questioned “what should be done to rectify this?” and stated that the party needs to reconsider the opposition being raised against the party leadership at the grass root level. He said that if they are to turn the UNP into a political force once more, the UNP must completely change its outlook and they cannot create these changes by shuffling around some positions or making claims that they are going to create a lead generation.

“The people want a complete change”

He was questioned on what happens if Sajith Premadasa is given the leadership? Responding he stated that he believes that Sajith Premadasa will be able to create a change in the party if he accepts the party leadership.

“However he cannot do it alone, he will need support from outside and inside. If he gathers all these forces I believe that he will be able to do something.“

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