UNPers call for internal vote to nominate presidential candidate

A letter has been handed over to United National Party (UNP) leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe seeking to nominate the party's presidential candidate through an internal vote.

The letter has been signed by 55 parliamentarians including UNP Chairman Kabir Hashim and Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara. 

"We sought to conduct the vote by convening the parliamentary group and the working committee of the party for a meeting. The Prime Minister has responded positively to this request," Minister Bandara said yesterday (Aug 19).

Meanwhile, a special meeting was held between UNP parliamentarians to discuss matters concerning its proposed Democratic National Front (DNF) alliance.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Non-cabinet minister Sujeewa Senasinghe said that UNP Deputy Leader Minister Sajith Premadasa had expressed willingness to contest at the upcoming elections.

"It is better if the Prime Minister and Minister Sajith Premadasa discuss and arrive at a final decision in this regard," he said.

Mr. Senasinghe further said that the working committee and the parliamentary group of the party were capable of choosing the candidate if such talks prove futile.