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Down-but -not-out UNP marks 75 years today
View(s):The United National Party (UNP), the country’s second oldest recognised political party, marks its 75th anniversary today with celebrations being observed online through the Facebook and YouTube platforms due to the ongoing quarantine curfew.
The party that formed the first Government in independent Sri Lanka, and was in office several times, faced its worst setback at the last general election.
The party is determined to revive its grassroots-level support with the help of the younger generation, party chairman Vajira Abeywardena said on the eve of the celebrations.
Commemorating the late leaders of the party, including its founder D S Senanayake, current leader and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will address party supporters through a virtual meeting scheduled from 5-6 pm today, explaining the party’s next steps towards a new path with the focus on the younger generation.
“At a time when a country is witnessing the worst economic difficulties in its history, and youths are considering leaving the country since there is no future here, our leader is determined to form a national initiative to address these concerns with the focus on youth,” Mr Abeywardena said.
The UNP is also a member of the International Democrat Union. It was the governing party from 1947-1956, from 1965-1970, from 1977-1994, 2001-2004, and 2015-2019. In addition, the UNP also had control of the executive presidency since the presidency’s formation in 1978 to 1994.