UNP Co-deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday said an election for the party leadership was inevitable and he was confident that Karu Jayasuriya would emerge victorious.

Commenting on reports expressing confidence that Ranil Wickremesinghe would remain party leader, Mr. Premadasa said no one could predict the future party leadership until the votes are cast. “I am confident that Karu Jayasuriya will become the leader of the party. However, until the working committee casts its ballot, I cannot tell who will win,” Mr. Premadasa said. He said his stance on the matter has remained the same and that Mr. Wickremesinghe should remain Opposition Leader while Mr. Jayasuriya should become party leader. When asked if Mr. Wickremesinghe could prevent an election from taking place, Mr. Premadasa it was not possible under any circumstances. “Not allowing to hold an election will be a violation of the party constitution. Such a thing cannot happen and will not happen,” he said.

He said there was no clarity on when the nominations for the party leadership would be handed in, but said it was expected that it would take place tomorrow.

“The nominations should take place tomorrow and a decision on the leadership would be made before the end of the month,” he said.

Meanwhile Mr. Jayasuriya and Mr. Premadasa told a news conference yesterday that a donation of Rs. 500,000 would be given to politically victimized families. “Since 1994 there have been thousands of families that suffered and sacrificed their lives due to political conflicts. Most of these people need a chance to stand on their feet which is why we have chosen to implement this project,” Mr. Jayasuriya said.

Vipula Gunaratne a politically victimized person whose factory was burnt down in 2001 said it was necessary to support those who deserved such help.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka