"We should present the candidate that people request for, that is our principle" : Kabir Hashim

Colombo (News1st) - Following views were expressed by the Chairman of the UNP, Minister Kabir Hashim, Minister of Highways & Road Development and Petroleum Resources Development in response to several questions raised by journalists. He stated that permission has been granted to their leader to form a broad alliance. Discussions are being held regarding the amendment of certain points in the constitution because of the different views of MPs and Ministers, he added. He stated that UNP intends to appoint a committee and the amended constitution will be given to their leader within the next two days. UNP will be announcing its winning candidate for the presidential election whilst the broad alliance is made, he further added. In response to a journalist noting the opposing faction of UNP in regards to Sajith Premadasa being the next Presidential candidate the minister continued, "There's no such opposing faction. Many in our party are trying to become the next candidate. They are competing to become the candidate. We are still open about this" He noted that if a leader tries to put forward his family its wrong and such behaviour is not encouraged by their party. He emphasized that their principle is to present the candidate that people request.