Ranil - Sajith talks end inconclusively, no date as yet for further discussions

The crucial meeting between United National Party Leader  Ranil Wickremesinghe and Deputy Leader, Minister Sajith Premadasa ended on an inconclusive note yesterday (Sept 10), without a future date between the two to discuss matters further, according to political sources.

UNP members in favour of Minister Premadasa's candidacy had requested the Prime Minister, to nominate him as the Presidential candidate adding that they did not want any changes in the party leadership, the source said.

Mr. Wickremesinghe had then responded by saying that this matter would have to be taken up at the UNP central committee meeting and the leadership council of the proposed UNP-led Democratic National Front alliance.

However, those in favour of the UNP Deputy Leader's candidacy had not expressed agreement over this move, the source noted adding that the meeting had ended inconclusively.

Ministers Malik Samarawickrama, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Kabir Hashim, and Rajitha Senaratne had been in attendance at the meeting.

Meanwhile, further discussions over this matter are expected to figure prominently during a special meeting which has been organised at the residence of Minister Rajitha Senaratne tomorrow.

This meeting is expected to be attended by party leaders of the proposed DNF alliance and the UNP as well.

(Reporting by Damith Wickramasekara)