By Yohan Perera   

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, a group of Ministers and allies of Samagi Jana Balawegaya were present at the UNP 76th anniversary celebrations at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.   

The presence of SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam was also a special feature.  

This was the first time that political leaders such as Mr. Gunawardena who has been a leftist and Mr. Kariyawasam participated in an event organised by UNP. It was said they participated as invitees.   SJB allies SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem, ACMC Leader Rishad Bathiudeen and National Unity Alliance Leader A.L.M. Attaullah was also present.  

Minister Harin Fernando said he now considers President Ranil Wickremesinghe as his leader. “I have been told that SJB has decided not to take us back. However, I would like to say that I will never return to SJB once again. I joined Mr. Wickremesinghe as he took up a challenge. I also like to take up challenges. Mr. Wickremesinghe was the solitary UNP MP, and now he has 134 members to back him. Nearly 150 members of Parliament will back him soon,” he said.