The United National Party (UNP) has disputed claims by its member Ravi Karunanayake that there was an electoral agreement to offer a National List slot to a nominee by the New Democratic Front (NDF) whose gas cylinder symbol was used to contest the General Election this time in alliance with others.
Issuing a statement yesterday (Nov. 21), UNP Chairman Wajira Abeywardena has refuted claims that Ravi’s name was sent to the Election Commission only after informing Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The statement also emphasizes that this appointment is completely against the agreement made with the NDF with regard to the appointment of National List MPs.
A meeting chaired by Ranil Wickremesinghe was held on Nov. 16 among the leaders of the NDF alliance partners of the NDF to decide on nominees to the National List.
It had been decided then to meet again on Nov. 19 to finalize the matter. However, ahead of the meeting, Mr. Karunanayake had directed to send his name to the EC, states Mr. Abeywardena’s statement.
Asserting that the NDF has no right to nominate anyone on the National List, Mr. Abeywardena said NDF Secretary Shyamala Perera had acted in violation of the understanding reached originally.
Mr. Abeywardena had further noted that as an UNPer, Mr. Karunanayake too would be subjected to disciplinary procedure according to recommendations by the four-member committee appointed in this regard.
