UNP alliance to contest under swan symbol

The two factions of the United National Party (UNP) decided to contest the general elections under the swan symbol, a party official said today.

The decision was arrived at a meeting attended by UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and MPs Ravi Karunanayake, Lakshman Kiriella, Mangala Samaraweera, Malik Samarawickrama and Kabir Hashim.

Mr. Kiriella told Daily Mirror the party would announce its decision at tomorrow's Working Committee meeting.

He said the party also decided to meet the Election Commission soon to finalize the proceedings to adopt the swan symbol for the UNP-led alliance.

The UNP contested the past three presidential elections under the swan symbol though this will be the first time the party will contest the general elections under the swan symbol. (Kelum Bandara)