It was those interested in destroying the United National Party (UNP), who instigated the clash where several UNPers including a Provincial Council member were injured, UNP National Organiser Daya Gamage told a news conference today.

He said Southern Provincial Council UNP Member Nishantha Pushpakumara was shot by Presidential Advisor Herman Gunaratne, who was also the father of UNP Provincial Council Member Maithree Gunaratne. Herman Gunaratne was among the 22 persons arrested.

Eight people including Mr. Pushpakumara were injured in the clash.

Responding to a question as to whether the Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe would resign as mentioned in some media, Mr. Gamage said Mr. Wickremesinghe would resign after ensuring that his successor would be a leader who was able to unite all party members otherwise, there would be divisions in the party.

He further said the reigns of the party should be handed over to an able set of people who could ensure victory at future elections.

Mr. Gamage also said the ‘’leadership council’ proposed by some Buddhist Monks should be welcomed, because all party seniors could work together in such a council. “Anyone in the leadership council who does not work for the betterment of the party would be exposed when such a council exists and therefore it is essential that this proposal be considered,” he added.(Yohan Perera and Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk)