UNP convention on the 3rd of October : Akila Viraj Kariyawasam

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Deputy Leader of the United National Party Minister Sajith Premadasa was named as the presidential candidate of the UNP. The decision was made when the working committee convened this evening. The working committee of the United National Party convened to name the presidential candidate at 3:00 pm at the Sirikotha party headquarters today. The meeting was chaired by the leader of the party Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe named Sajith Premadasa as the Presidential candidate of the party. After the decision was unanimously approved at the working committee, supporters gathered opposite the party headquarters as well as the supporters from several parts of the island commenced celebrations. Following the nomination of the candidate Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, General Secretary of the UNP and Minister Kabir Hashim the Chairman of the UNP expressed their thoughts to the media. Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam noted that they have collectively decided to field Sajith Premadasa as their presidential candidate and prime minister would continue to operate in the capacity of the party leader. He went on to note that Sajith Premadasa would record a historic victory and they will all work together to make that come true. He further added that all the organisers will meet on the 30th while the party convention is to be held on the 3rd of October at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. He finally added that they would bring a large crowd of UNP supporters to Galle Face and paint it green with a public rally. Minister Kabir Hashim, Chairman of the UNP noted that most thought that UNP would fall apart but they saw to that it would not and they collectively nominated the candidate the people wanted. He added that the decision itself was a victory for the nation. Minister added that their opponents claim that they intend to minimize equality at the same time where their party leader hails above them and request people to bestow them with power to rule the country. The Chairman added that they have already set an example to the people of the country, he went on to note that they speak the truth and do not deceive the people of this country.