Mr. Wijewardene, who is the chairman of the UNP-affiliated National Youth Front, visited the Mahanayakes of the Malwatte and Asgiri Chapters to seek their blessings for the party and his initiative in mobilizing the youth of the country to the cause of his party.

The Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter, the Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera, during his meeting with the UNP MP, stressed the need for unity in the party for it to advance.

The Ven. Thera said all should unite and cast aside their differences.

Addressing the parliamentarian, the Ven Buddharakkitha Thera said, "All concerned should join hands and lead the party to victory in a concerted effort and avoid infighting for leadership. The prevailing situation will create divisions among the party supporters. All must join hands and lead the party to victory. As the Maha Sangha we bless you for the future success in all your endeavours to serve the country. We stand aloof from party politics, but bless anyone who is prepared to serve the people."

Mr. Wijewardene said, "An election is around the corner. I am now organising the UNP youth front. I have received the blessings of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Mahanayake Theras for my organising activities"

Later, he met the Mahanayake of the Malwatta Chapter, the Most. Ven. Tibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, who also called for the unity in the UNP so that it could live up to the people's expectations by emerging as a formidable opposition party. "The party has achieved some measure of success at the recent elections due to their concerted effort. All of you must join hands for the forward march of the party. I advised UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on the need for unity among the leaders. Without it the future of the country will be bleak and the party supporters will have nowhere to go. We have stressed the need for a strong Opposition for a long time. The poor people are today in an unpleasant predicament due to the lack of a strong opposition," said the Ven Thera.

Mr. Wijewardene said that party supporters were of the opinion that the leaders should reach a consensus.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka