Thursday, 7 November 2013 00:25
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UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella says all the powers which were in the hands of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe are now in the hands of the UNP Leadership Council.
Kiriella said that even the appointment of the UNP Working Committee members and chief organiser post is in the hands of the Leadership Council.
He said that one clause however notes that advice can be sought from the UNP Leader but that does not mean his approval is needed.
Kiriella also said that a rift arose at the UNP Working Committee meeting on Monday when one group had attempted to put forward a new set of proposals for discussion instead of that which had been approved by the United Bhikku Front, which played the role of mediator in the UNP crisis.
The UNP MP said that the UNP Working Committee refused to accept the new proposals on Monday but was willing to consider it later as the purpose of Monday’s meeting was to approve the proposals approved by the United Bhikku Front.
However he said one group had objected to this and refused to back the new UNP Leadership Council.
(Colombo Gazette)
Meanwhile, UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya yesterday insisted that the new Leadership Council of the party has full powers and that this was confirmed by party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Speaking in Kandy today after meeting the Chief Prelates of the Asgiriya and Malwatte chapters, Jayasuriya called for unity in the party saying it was time to forget the past and move forward.
He also called on those who had rebelled against the UNP leadership to support the Leadership Council and assured that disciplinary action would not be taken against anyone.
The UNP MP expressed regret that MP Sajith Premadasa had decided not to be part of the UNP Leadership Council.
Jayasuriya said that he will accept criticism but will do what is right for the party despite some calling him a traitor to the cause.
