The UNP does not need a leadership council as most of its members want opposition leader Sajith Premadasa to take over party leadership, two UNP MPs said yesterday.

UNP MP Harshana Rajakaruna told a press conference that Mr. Premadasa should be appointed the party leader according to the wishes of a majority of UNPers.

“Mr. Premadasa assured that his intention was to unite all factions and to see that the UNP emerged victorious at the upcoming general elections. Besides, his reputation is growing at a time when the popularity of the government is on the wane. We, therefore, feel that there is no need for a leadership council,” he said, referring to the proposal to appoint a leadership council comprising Sajith Premadasa, Ranil Wickremesinghe and Karu Jayasuriya to take charge of the party.

Meanwhile, MP Bandula Lal Bandarigoda said the intention of many was to see that the UNP emerged victorious at the general elections and to get Mr. Premadasa elected to premiership. “We are confident that Mr. Premadasa will work effectively with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa,” he said.

Both MPs said they expected party leaders to take the right decision when they met on Thursday. (Yohan Perera)