UNP agrees to work in unison despite differences

by Jaliya Wijeyakoon

The United National Party held its 54th Annual Convention at its headquarters 'Sirikotha', in Pitakotte yesterday amidst a large gathering invited by the organising committee. There was speculation that there would be a repetition of last year's unfortunate incidents and only a selected number of representatives was invited for the convention.

The decision of the Executive Committee to invite only a few proved perfectly right as the proceedings went on smoothly although there were differences of opinion on certain matters among some of the front-runners of the party. They expressed various views on certain vital issues, but eventually agreed to work in unison to form a UNP government in near future.

The Sunday Observer contacted some of the vociferous members of the party and their comments with regard to yesterday's convention are as follows:

Colombo District Senior Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake said the 54th Convention of the party would go down in history as a milestone or a turning point for certain victory in any of the future elections.

"We had taken a number of decisions and passed resolutions to consolidate the party despite the fact that a handful of people had their reservations on some of them, which is quite natural in a democratic party", he said.

Party spokesman, Galle District Parliamentarian Gayantha Karunathilake said that some bankrupt and disgruntled elements expected a chaotic situation at the Convention. But to their utter dismay and surprise, everything went on smoothly.

"We also adopted some resolutions to strengthen the party mechanism and to face any future election with utmost confidence.

Our unity, commitment and dedication to the cause of the party were quite evident by the speeches made by our Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa. Everybody agreed to work in harmony and respect the decisions taken at the Convention.

The young Parliamentarian from the Badulla District, Harin Fernando is of the opinion that the decision to extend the term of the Party Leader for six years is too much, but at the same time electing the leader annually is a futile exercise.

According to Fernando, the ideal period should be three to four years. However, as the resolutions have already been made with majority support, he said he would respect it and would work with the leader for the betterment of the party.

Colombo District's outspoken Parliamentarian Sujeeva Senasinghe accused the party hierarchy of not discussing some of the major amendments effected at the group meeting.

Further, he said, that he was not satisfied with the manner the Convention was held, but vouched to protect the party and sweat hard for it at any future election.