PM and Minister Sajith Premadasa hold crucial talks

Colombo (News 1st): UNP Leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and UNP Deputy Leader Minister Sajith Premadasa sat down for crucial talks last evening (September 10). Following the talks, party seniors said the UNPs Presidential candidate would be announced soon. Talks between the UNPs Leader and Deputy Leader at Temple Trees commenced at 09:30 pm yesterday. Minister Rajitha Senaratne had accompanied the Prime Minister while it was reported Ministers Kabir Hashim, Ranjith Madduma Bandara and Malik Samarawickrama visited Temple Trees during that time. The meeting came to a close at 10:45 pm. Following the meeting speaking to the media Minister Sajith Premadasa noted that they had cordial discussions and added that positive results will be witnessed in the coming days. He added that the subjects of the meeting were about the party, the UNF and their future program. When questioned if he requested to be named as the Common Candidate, he said that even though certain matters were discussed he did not plead for anything. He stressed that they would not delay the results and noted that he believes that the final results would be a positive one. Journalists then questioned if he would contest under the symbol of the falcon if he fails on his end with the elephant. He noted that he is not a falcon or an eagle, simply not an elephant, but he is a tusker. Chairman of the UNP Minister Kabir Hashim also speaking to the media noted that the talks went on well. He said the Leader and Minister Sajith Premadasa spoke on their programs and the candidate. He added that a decision will be made soon and that it would be made in a united manner. Non-Cabinet Minister Dr Harsha De Silva tweeted, last evening talks between the Prime Minister and the Deputy Leader were successful. The tweet further said in a few days Sajith Premadasa would be named as the UNP led alliance candidate for the Presidental Election.

Finally, light at t end of the tunnel at discussion tonight! Agreement to be finalized in a few days after discussing with partners to nominate @sajithpremadasa as UNP led alliance candidate for #SriLanka 2019 presidential race w total backing of @RW_UNP n @KaruOnline. #Sajith4NewSL pic.twitter.com/FZfvOFcY8y

— Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) September 10, 2019

Minister Harin Fernando tweeted Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa had a very positive discussion with the Prime Minister and Sajith Premadasa will be appointed as the UNP Presidential Candidate in a few days.

Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa had a very positive discussion with the Prime Minister. Sajith Premadasa will be appointed as the UNP Presidential Candidate in a few days #Sajith4NewSL

— Harin Fernando (@fernandoharin) September 10, 2019

Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam noted that the discussions which took place will continue further. He added that the Presidential Election is yet to be called for. The General Secretary noted that they have more time and as in previous occasions they will make their nominations once the date for the Presidential Election is announced.