Powers vested in UNP General Secretary downgraded

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Political Council appointed by UNP Parliamentary group and UNP working committee convened at Temple Trees for the first time today (11 April). UNP leader, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ministers and UNP Parliamentarians were present at the meeting. During the meeting, UNP parliamentarian Nalin Bandara noted the main task of United National Party should be to decide the restructuring of the party before the 31st of April. Following the restructuring vacant positions of General Secretary, Treasurer, Propaganda Secretary, Trade Union Secretary and Administration Secretary have to be filled. He further stated that there should be a method to decentralize the power of the party General Secretary. Another meeting is scheduled for April 19 and few other meetings will be held at different locations before 30 April, UNP parliamentarian Nalin Bandara stated. Commenting on the latest developments Maithri Gunaratne,  the General Secretary of United National Freedom Front noted that the UNP has traditionally had one General Secretary who managed to lead the party forward. he noted that this distinguished postion was held by UNP greats such as  Ranjan Wijeratne and Sirisena Cooray who have moved away from the UNP. Gunaratne noted that the Prime Minister tried to appoint Min. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam as the General Secretary of the party knowing that he cannot deliver the duties of a General Secretary. Maithri Gunaratne further noted that the Prime Minister's plan to appoint three General Secretaries further degrades the United National Party