The swan will most likely be the symbol - MP Harsha de Silva

Colombo (News 1st): The UNP Parliamentary group held a meeting at the parliamentary complex today (Feb 17) chaired by opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. According to our correspondent, many parliamentarians representing the United National Front including party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe attended the meeting.

Journalist: What happened to the issue on the symbol? MP Harshana Rajakaruna: Discussions will be held when the working committee convenes on Wednesday. As per the consensus we have reached as of now, all parties have agreed to contest the upcoming election under the symbol of the swan. Journalist: Both parties submitted the matter to a legal counsel, what was the decision of the legal counsel regarding the matter? MP Harshana Rajakaruna: Discussions are being held on that matter as well. Discussions are being held with the elections commission on that. A final decision on the matter will be taken next week.

UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam also spoke to the media;

Akila Viraj Kariyawasam: We did not speak on the symbol, it was a Parliamentary group meeting that was held today. Today we spoke about the agenda of parliament for this week. Journalist: What Symbol are you planning on contesting for the upcoming election? Akila Viraj Kariyawasam: The working committee meeting will be held on Wednesday. We will all agree to save the symbol, save the leaders, save the party and work towards saving the party. Journalist: An MP said, that everyone has already agreed to contest under the symbol of the swan. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam: There is no decision as such yet. But it will most probably be either the elephant or the swan. We will decide on that at the working committee meeting on Wednesday.

Speaking regarding the matter MP Harsha de Silva noted that there is no division. He added that they will most probably contest the election under the symbol of the swan. He said people might say various things, but that is the truth. He stressed that they are working properly, no matter how much many try to divide them, they will not divide. Meanwhile, MP Gayantha Karunathilake noted that a final decision on the symbol will be taken by tomorrow. He noted that they all come to a consensus and contest under a single symbol. Commenting on the issue MP Wajira Abeywardana noted that a committee has been appointed. He said that discussions are ongoing and the committee will meet again this evening and a final decision will be reached democratically. He added that two factions are expressing their opinions, but, in the end, the righteous will win. Meanwhile, an individual had arrived at the National Election Commission today, to register a new political party. General Secretary of the Deshapremi United National Party Sugath Hawapatirana noted that today is the final day to register a political party. He said according to their party's constitution, their executive board has chosen the heart as the party symbol.