Will campaign with Sajith, if rejected - Thevarapperuma

by Jaliya Wijeyekoon

Kalutara district UNP parliamentarian Palitha Thevarapperuma who was involved in a heated exchange with his party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at the parliamentary complex on Wednesday over the nominations of candidates said that his intention was not to fight or create problems with the party leader but to ensure that the party wins at the forthcoming Provincial Council elections by fielding potential candidates who could muster the support of the majority voters of the district.

“I have devoted my life for the party. I have been imprisoned, lost my properties, health and even family life due to my involvement in UNP politics. Don’t I have a legitimate right to intervene in allocating nominations in the PC elections in the district?”

He said, “I know quite a number of people who do not have a backbone, are trying to destroy my political career. I know they will sack me from the party. But I will never join any other party as I have clearly said time and again and will remain a committed UNPer until I breathe my last.

“I will gladly support anybody who needs my assistance except for the two people whom I objected to nominate. I know that all candidates have been advised not to entertain me on their political platforms. In that case I will go to Hambantota and work for the victory of the UNP candidates there with Sajith Premadasa”, he said.