• Comm. member says Prez in talks with members/leaders of certain other political parties  

The committee appointed by United National Party (UNP) Leader and President Ranil Wickremesinghe to handle his Presidential Election campaign is placing a great emphasis on the strengthening of the UNP as a political Party in the overall efforts targeting the election.

The said poll is expected to take place towards the end of this year (2024).

According to committee member Lasantha Goonewardena, who also serves as the UNP’s Colombo District Manager and is a UNP Working Committee member, some of the said committee’s recommendations have already been submitted to the President. He told The Daily Morning that among these recommendations are those relating to social media campaigns. As part of the UNP-focused efforts, authorised persons including organisers are being appointed for electorate level activities. Noting that district-level UNP meetings have commenced, Goonewardena added that meetings have been concluded in seven districts.

In response to a question about the committee’s role in securing the support of other political parties for the President, Goonewardena explained that while a number of activities are taking place in this regard, much attention is being paid to attracting other parties’ backing through the strengthening of the UNP. The President has already held talks with members and leaders of certain other political parties, according to Goonewardena.

Media reports said that the committee, which was set up recently, is headed by President’s Counsel Ronald Perera.