• Calls out to those who have left the party

By Yohan Perera and Shelton Hettiarachchi - Nuwara Eliya   

A broad opposition alliance led by the United National Party, where everyone including Navin Dissanayake and others is the need of the hour, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said over the weekend.   

Addressing the UNP activists in Nuwara Eliya, Mr. Wijewardene said such an alliance is needed to gather necessary votes at the next national elections.   
“Any party needs around seven million or more votes to win the next presidential election and also need to attract the Buddhist votes and votes of others. It is essential for us to prepare for such elections. We need to iron out our differences and come to a single platform. We also call out those who have left us to come back to us. Doors are still open to them,” he said.   
“One must realise that political parties belong to its members. Members of political parties become agitated whenever their aspirations are not met. This has happened to Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) as well. Some SJB members have begun to threaten its leader Sajith Premadasa,” he added,  “Some SJB members are responsible for the fate which the UNP has suffered today,” he also said.   

UNP National Organiser Navin Dissanayake who also participated in the meeting called for broad reform of the party. “Patchwork will not serve any purpose,” 
he said.   

• One must realise that political parties belong to its members. Members of political parties become agitated whenever their aspirations are not met