By Yohan Perera  

Experienced and able persons are needed in Parliament to take over the government if the need arises, UNP Deputy Leader and New Democratic Front (NDF) Gampaha District candidate Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday. 

Speaking during an election rally at Negombo, Wijewardene said a group of MPs with experienced persons need to be in Parliament if the incumbent President gives up power at any given time.  

“ President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reportedly said he will give up the presidency after two years if he thinks he cannot run the country anymore”. We don’t know whether this is true or false. Anyway we hope he would be able to serve a full term. However we need experienced persons in Parliament to take over the government if the need arises,  Wijewardene said.  

He said New Democratic Front has fielded an able team for this year’s General Election.  

He said National People’s Power (NPP) team, especially those in Gampaha District are inexperienced.” NPP has fielded unknown people “ he said.  

Mr. Wijewardene said incumbent President is contradicting his own self. “ Mr. Dissanayake” s current remarks are contradicting to what he uttered during the Presidential Election, “ he said.  

Former MP Nimal Lansa said NDF only needs 40 seats in the new Parliament to play the game. He said the intention of the NDF is to secure the opposition leaders post and then to take over the government later if the need arises. 

Pic by Pradeep Pathirana