New alliance undecided on party symbol; Elephant or Swan?

by Staff Writer 15-02-2020 | 9:10 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st):- On the other end of the platform, the UNP too undergoes conflicts internally ahead of the general elections. General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Ranjith Madduma Bandara said;

"We were able to successfully conclude our talks. We received certain proposals regarding the symbol. We will contest under a symbol that is appropriate for the people. The practice of changing the party symbol is undertaken after the polls are announced. Sajith Premadasa is the Prime Ministerial candidate. We will reveal the symbol to the people in the future. We will conduct our election campaign in a strong manner with the support of all parties forming our alliance."

Meanwhile UNP MP, Arjuna Ranatunga says;

"I think that everyone should take a step backward. Individuals who stir up trouble should realize that they are not more important than the party. We can win the forthcoming election if the party and the alliance stay together."

UNP MP, Patali Champika Ranawaka states;

"According to the law, the symbol of the party can be changed only after the election is announced. That is something that has to take place with the consensus of everyone. We have conducted discussions regarding the common symbol. Once the election is announced, we will request that symbol from the Election Commission and act accordingly."

Former General Secretary of the UNP, Tissa Attanayake also commented on the issues in the party symbol saying;

"If there is a legal barrier for the UNP to provide the symbol of the elephant, an agreement has been reached to contest under the symbol of the Swan. Accordingly, we have sought the opinion of the Chairman of the National Election Commission as well. I believe that we will be able to clearly arrive at a final decision in this regard by next week."

UNP MP, Lakshman Kiriella said;

"There are no divisions despite having various opinions. All problems were resolved yesterday. We are trying to provide the symbol of the elephant for Sajith Premadasa's alliance. If there is a legal barrier we are ready to collectively contest under the symbol of the swan. All these took place with the blessing of the former Prime Minister and Sajith Premadasa."