(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa today (Sept 17) said that he does not intend to contest at the presidential elections by crossing over to another party.
Addressing a press conference, Minister Premadasa urged the Central Committee and Parliamentary Group to convene and decided on the presidential candidate since the date of the polls could be announced either this week or in the coming weeks.
The UNP Deputy Leader added that if anyone else within the party is willing to contest at the presidential poll, then the matter must be discussed by the UNP’s Central Committee and Parliamentary Group.
He noted that party leader Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe too has not yet responded to his letter on nominating the party’s presidential candidate.
However, Mr Premadasa emphasized that there was no need for any candidate to join forces with other parties since the UNP is a democratic party.
Responding to questions posed by journalists on abolishing the Executive Presidency, Mr. Premadasa said that he would be willing to act in line with the people’s demands if voted into power.
The press conference had been held at the residence of Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera.
