Symbol is not important, what matters is unity: Nimal Siripala de Silva

Colombo (News 1st): Organizer of the Passara electorate of the SLFP Chamara Sampath noted that they voted for the flower bud, therefore, they won't vote for any other symbol.  He added that they want the flower bud as the party symbol. He pointed out that Gotabaya Rajapaksa contested under the flower bud symbol and won the presidential election. Speaking about taking a decision regarding the matter Senior Vice Chairman of the SLFP Nimal Siripala de Silva noted that discussion is ongoing. He noted that the symbol does not matter as unity is the most important factor. When questioned if there is an agreement with the SLFP, he noted that their party only takes practical decisions. Therefore, he said there will be no issues. He stressed that even as an alliance they will all contest together. He added that they will have to create a mechanism for this in the near future. Commenting on the issue State Minister C.B. Rathnayake said they have not formed an alliance as of yet and that they have not signed any agreement in this regard. He added that they have the option of contesting separately, however, he is of the stance that no one should overestimate themselves. General Secretary of the UPFA Mahinda Amaraweera speaking of the issue said that as the SLFP, their hope is to contest the upcoming general election by forming an alliance with the SLPP, as they don't want to weaken the president they elected. He went onto note that they must support him at this point and strengthen unity within all levels. He said their sacrifices are what will contribute to the success of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Meanwhile, Leader of the National Freedom Front Minster Wimal Weerawansa states that there is no crisis between the SLPP and the SLFP. Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thero was a prominent figure who campaigned for the current president at the presidential election. Convening a media briefing today the Ven. Thero criticized the conduct of certain ministers.

"A situation where children have to get on to the streets have arisen at some places. What has happened here is that there are no ministers even to hold discussions regarding a certain matter. Also, there are certain cronies around some ministers who are even more big-headed than the ministers. There are certain ministeries that have fallen to that state. If this government does not provide solutions to the problems faced by the people, the same fate that befell the previous government will repeat itself. I would like to remind this to these Ministers and the cronies surrounding these ministers. I request these Ministers to listen to the people. Today they think that they have already won, but we won't say that they've won. If these Ministers are acting like this with a general election around the corner, we will have to speak out against these Ministers. We request these ministers to fulfill their duties without antagonizing us."

Fresh candidates planning to contest the upcoming general election have started to come forward. Oshadie Hevamadduma, an actress by profession, prepared to contest the upcoming general election through the Viyathmaga Organization, had organized an event in Battaramulla today. This event that was graced by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was named ''Breath 2020.'' This program has been introduced to popularize indigenous medicinal plants. Speaking at the event Oshadie Hevamadduma said that all the ladies present here are well aware of the many difficulties they have to face, to climb the ladder of success and to sustain it. She added that she too has faced many difficulties, but she did not succumb to them. She noted that she has always fought for the good and will continue to do so, even in the future. Minister Wimal Weerawansa in Polonnaruwa today, announced that Actor Uddhika Premaratne will be contesting the general election. The '' Jawayata Saviya'' program organized by Uddhika Premaratne took place under the auspices of Minister Weerawansa. Minister Wimal Weerawansa said Uddhika Premarathne is an actor and some claim actors should not enter the political arena. He stressed that cases like Ranjan Ramanayaka is only one in a million. The Minister noted that they should not allow those who engage in illegal and anti-social activities. He questioned as to what is more important, education qualification or the love for your country. He stated that they believe Uddika Premaratne is one such individual who loves the country.