United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday admitted he lacked the maturity to be party leader but assured he would work towards achieving the necessary leadership qualities.

He said this in response to a statement made by the Maha Nayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter on UNP leadership.

“I will accept the Ven. Maha Nayake Thera’s advice and will work towards achieving the qualities necessary for a mature leader,” Mr. Premadasa told journalists. He said he had received the blessings of all religious leaders in his endeavour to serve the people of the country.

Mr. Premadasa said he had not fought to grab the leadership of the party but only launched a struggle on behalf of the 20 million people in the country who want democracy and economic stability.

When a journalist asked him why he was holding media conferences in different places instead of having them at the opposition leader’s office like other Unpers do, Mr. Premadasa said he had the right to choose the venues. “My party membership will not change just because I hold media conferences in different places,” he said.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka