Karu says ready to lead the UNP
COLOMBO– Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya on Monday (24) publicly offered to take the helm of the United National Party (UNP) from beleaguered leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, saying he had already communicated his decision to party seniors.
In a statement issued on Monday, Jayasuriya, the former Speaker said, numerous persons from within the party and outside have appealed to him to come forward to resurrect the party and detailed the ‘numerous persons’ as party supporters, members of civil society, members of the Maha Sangha and Clergy from all religions and many people concerned about the democratic future of Sri Lanka.
Jayasuriya touted his commitment to democratic values and work towards the Right to Information as part of his credentials.
He said he had told party seniors that he was willing to accept the leadership of the party.
Wickremesinghe, the 26-year leader of the party and four-time Prime Minister presided over the UNP’s huge loss at the August general election, which saw the Grand Old Party wiped out, failing to win a single seat save for one National List spot.
Shortly after the crushing defeat Wickremesinghe announced he would step down from the leadership, but did not say when.
He has now said the party has to prepare for the Provincial Council elections, for which dates have not been set.
Jayasuriya said although the party has sunk to zero, he was confident of being able to rebuild it.
As Speaker, Jayasuriya led the charge at the time when then-president Maithripala Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe as prime minister and appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place.
He presided over three sessions of Parliament where Rajapaksa failed to win a vote of confidence. The Speaker was physically attacked by Rajapaksa’s supporters but he stood firm.
– economynext.com/ENCL