UNP embroiled in conflicts - Sarath Ekanayake

by S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy South Group

Today the United National Party is facing serious problems due to internal conflicts and there is plenty of infighting which is splitting the party at various levels. Due to the weakness of the party leadership, the leadership is under threat with various reforms being brought about, said Chief Minister of the Central Province Sarath Ekanayake.

He made these comments when 330 members of the United National Party crossed over to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party at a function in Hasalaka in the Uda Dumbara area.

The Chief Minister said that many UNP members have confided to him that the UNP, a disorganised party and they are not able to even win an election for the Co-operative Society. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna too is in a state of disarray as they have now resorted to assaulting members who leave the party. There is also the rumour that attempts have been made to obtain undated letters of resignation from members of the Pradeshiya Sabhas with a view of keeping them in their fold. This is against democracy and against the rights of the members. We witnessed this type of things during the J. R. Jayewardene era when undated letters of resignation were obtained from the Parliamentarians to prevent a revolt.

He said despite the war, this government under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is launching a massive development programme.

Today the people of North and East are hailing the steps taken by the President to eradicate terrorism and bring back normal life. They want the LTTE to be defeated and save the sovereignty of the motherland.

The UNP is against the subsidy for fertilisers and during the time they were in power they removed many subsidies, concluded Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake.