LIVE BLOG: Special UNP Convention

11.48 PM: During the 52 day coup we showed the strength of the UNP. In a few days on the 10th of October, we will bring in bigger crowds from across the country in support of Sajith Premadasa - Min. Akila Viraj 11.46 AM: There were those who wanted to see our party break into pieces. There were those who thought that the government would fall because of the struggle to select a candidate. They thought they were in a one-horse race. We have delivered emphatic reply - Min. Akila Viraj 11.44 AM: Our party followers had to face many issues because we did not have a President of our own, so this is a good opportunity for us. - Min. Akila Viraj 11.18 AM: The UNP convention has unanimously agreed to name Sajith Premadasa as the presidential candidate - PM Ranil Wickremesinghe 11.12 AM: As the Chairman of the party I am very happy. The party is seated here together. This unity is our strength - Min. Kabir Hashim 11.07 AM: This is the only party that has the strength to elect a common man like R. Premadasa the President. It is the UNP that had the strength to elect a farmer's son the President in 2015. Now we have selected a young candidate. - Min. Kabir Hashim 11.05 AM: From the day we gained independence the UNP has been a party that fought for the democracy - Min. Kabir Hashim 11.03 AM: Everyone is here today to appoint a UNP President after 25 years and to create a UNP Government. - Min. Kabir Hashim 10.28 AM: 

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe 

and UNP Presidential Candidate Min. Sajith Premadasa

have arrived at the convention.

Colombo (News 1st): Happening now Special UNP Convention at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.