UNF to contest the General Elections under the leadership of Sajith Premadasa

Colombo (News 1st): The United National Front decided to contest the upcoming general election under the leadership of Sajith Premadasa today (Jan 17). The decision was reached at a UNF party leaders meeting held at the parliamentary complex. Leaders of the member parties of the UNF including the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Jathika Hela Urumaya, and the Tamil Progressive Alliance attended the meeting. MP Patali Champika Ranawaka noted that they will contest the upcoming general election under Premadasa's leadership together with all other organizations and individuals. He said they hope to call in for nominations from professionals in the future and all of us hope to contribute to this effort. MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara responded to several questions posed by journalists today.

Journalist: Are you doing this with the permission of the General Secretary and the Leader? MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara: A majority of the UNP, 52 MPs voted yesterday for the proposal that we should contest under the leadership of Sajith Premadasa. Journalist: The General Secretary said that nothing like that happened and said that it is illegal. MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara: We will resolve that inside the party. If someone is attempting to hold on to power covering behind the constitution, that is undemocratic. Journalist: What will be your symbol? MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara: We will inform you in the future.

Meanwhile, MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said if they are contesting the election under the leadership of Sajith Premadasa, he must be appointed as the prime minister after they win the election.