Akila Viraj's claim that Ranil Wickremesinghe is the party leader is his personal opinion-SM Marikkar

COLOMBO (News 1st)-Secretary of the party Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said yesterday that the United National Party will contest at the upcoming General election under the leadership of Ranil Wickremesinghe. Several MPs reacted to this statement. UNP MP S. M Marikkar noted that it was the party secretary's personal opinion. He went on to note that no official decision has been taken regarding this matter and today the seniors will gather at the Siri Kotha headquarters to discuss and find a solution to this issue. He added that the leaders should feel the emotions of the grass-root level individuals and they would come to a decision. UNP MP Wijepala Hettiarachchi also confirmed that they will hold discussions, and decide on the leadership and for the time being, they have appointed Sajith Premadasa as the opposition leader. He further added that with the mandate of the majority of the MPs party leadership would be handed over to Sajith Premadasa.