Delaying the announcement of the candidate is a violation of democracy : Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Jathika Hela Urumaya declares that they are not pleased with the delay in naming a Presidential Candidate and proposes to summon all 106 MPs from the UNP and its allies to vote and decide on the matter. Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, General Secretary of the Jathika Hela Urumaya noted that the people have presented two proposals, one is for present party leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the other is Deputy Leader and Minister of Housing and Construction Sajith Premadasa. He added that the candidate should be selected via a vote by 106 government MPs as they are a broader alliance.  He went on to note that using this method only one would be selected as the candidate and he would emerge victorious at the election. He went on to note that the winner cannot cause any harm to the losing faction and the losing faction cannot follow a policy to refrain from giving their support. He further added that it was mandatory for both sides to come together to face the Presidential Election. Journalist: Have you informed them in this regard? Minister responded that they have informed the respective party regarding this matter on several occasions and they have promised to field a candidate from their party. He finally added that further delaying the nomination, is a clear violation of democracy and injustice caused to the general public.