UNP MPs convene at Temple Trees to discuss Presidential Candidate

Colombo (News 1st): United National Party (UNP) Parliamentarians convened at the Temple Trees this evening (August 5). The meeting which was chaired by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe discussed many current political affairs including the presidential candidacy. Speaking to journalists UNP MP Hector Appuhamy noted that it is a member from the UNP who will be their presidential candidate. He added that the candidate will be able to get a majority of votes from the villages and will definitely win. The parliamentarian noted that it has been accepted by everyone including the minor parties in the alliance, therefore, they will embark on a journey towards victory joining hands with those minor parties. When questioned if he is also of the stance that the common candidate should be from the UNP, he noted that it is someone from the UNP that will contest the Presidential Election and who will become the President in 2020. Non-Cabinet Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe noted that the Ministers requested for an immediate decision regarding the candidate to be taken after discussions are held between the Prime Minister and Minister Sajith Premadasa. He was also questioned about the latest developments on this new alliance being formed. Responding to this the non-cabinet minister noted that their request is to name the candidate first and then to start forming a large alliance with even members from the SLPP and from the SLFP. Journalists also questioned him if there is a conflict of opinion within the minor parties. He noted that there is no conflict of opinion and especially people like Rauff Hakeem and Mano Ganesan are requesting for Sajith Premadasa to be appointed as the candidate. He noted that even Minister Rajitha Senaratne said that he is in agreement with anything for the sake of winning. He noted that therefore they will discuss with them as well and if Sajith Premadasa is favoured by the majority, they will announce him as the Presidential Candidate.