Ruwan Wijewardene says willing to take over as UNP leader

COLOMBO (News1st): Former United National Party (UNP) lawmaker Ruwan Wijewardene has said he is willing to take over as party leader, after its crushing defeat at the parliamentary election. "I am confident that we can lead the UNP to victory by restructuring and strengthing the party," Wijewardene said at an event in Anuradhapura on Saturday. He said the UNP's election to defeat is an opportunity to identify the loopholes in the party and to restore confidence in party supporters. Wijewardene added that the country is likely to face an economic crisis in the coming years, resulting in a need for an alternative force for the people. "...we must be prepared to come forward as an alternative for the people," he remarked. The former parliamentarian added that he had expressed willingness to take over as party leader due to the request of several factions including party supporters. The UNP is seeking a new leader after its current leader Ranil Wickremesinghe signalled intentions to step down after the election defeat.