Pressure builds on RW to step down as leader of UNP

COLOMBO (News 1st): The National Organisation to Protect the United National Party says that Ranil Wickremesinghe "should step down" from the UNP, considering "all the damage he has caused to the country and party". General Secretary of the Organisation S. R. M. Wickremesinghe stated that the UNP leadership must be given to Sajith Premadasa, who he said is "the most suitable candidate that the country wants". The Organisation's District Secretary of Matara Premasiri Silva said: "the country wants Sajith Premadasa". However, he also acknowledged that the UNP needs the knowledge and support of Ranil Wickremesinghe, as he is a "well seasoned and experienced leader". "This is a moment where all those who gave up on the UNP have gathered to retaliate against the recent political conspiracies. The whole country speaks of only one name and that is Sajith Premadasa.", he added. Premasiri Silva requested Ranil Wickremesinghe to hand over the UNP leadership to Sajith Premadasa and "pave the way for Sajith Premadasa" to become the Prime Minister.