A crucial meeting between Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP), Minister Sajith Premadasa and the United National Front (UNF) party leaders was held late last night. Earlier in the day Minister Premadasa had requested a meeting with the coalition partners of the United National Front.
The meeting, held at the residence of Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera, was attended by Ministers Eran Wickremaratne, Malik Samarawickrema and other UNF leaders including Palani Digambaram, Mano Ganeshan, Rishad Bathiudeen, Rauff Hakeem and Patali Champika Ranawaka.
Minister Mano Ganeshan of the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) told reporters that they are hopeful of arriving at a consensus relating to the upcoming Presidential election without divisions.
“It is Sajith Premadasa’s belief that the party could win if he contests as the Presidential candidate,” he said. “Several other members of the UNP hold the same view,” he said referring to the letter signed by 54 UNP members supporting Premadasa.
(Sunday Observer)