UNP working committee approves constitution of new alliance

Colombo (News 1st) - The Working Committee of the United National Party convened at the Party headquarters Sirikotha today. The working committee meeting was headed by Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. Members of the working committee and Deputy Leader of the UNP Sajith Premadasa attended the meeting. Upon conclusion of the meeting, the General Secretary of the UNP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said that there was no final decision regarding the symbol under which the alliance would contest. There will be another meeting of the UNP working committee on Sunday to reach a final decision. General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya UNP MP Ranjith Maddumabandara speaking to reporters after the meeting noted that a collective decision was reached at the working committee to face the General election under the new alliance. He added that the constitution of the alliance was accepted by the Working Committee with minor amendments. The MP also noted that a final decision on the symbol of the alliance would be reached on Sunday (March 1). UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam noted that the working committee of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya would comprise of 60% UNP members and 40% representatives of other parties in the alliance. Of the 60% UNP members, 45% would be appointed with the approval of UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and the UNP working committee while 15% would be appointed by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. He noted that the nomination list of the alliance would also be subject to the approval of the UNP leadership.