UNP crackdown

By Chamitha Kuruppu

The United National Party yesterday banned its members from making statements, setting up organisations and initiating funds without prior approval by the party.

The decision was taken at the Working Committee meeting held yesterday at the Party Headquarters.

The appointments made during the recently held Advisory Committee were approved at yesterday’s Working Committee meeting.  

A video footage of Sirikotha attack on election day was shown to the Working Committee in order to get a clear idea on who was involved behind the incident. Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has reiterated that he will take stern action against those who were behind the attack.

A disciplinary committee headed by Thilak Marapana was also appointed at yesterday’s meeting. The committee is a regular appointment of the party conducted annually.

Meanwhile, Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa had pointed out that the UNP should stop the ongoing confrontation with a private media channel.

He had noted that it was this private media institution that supported the party when other channels barred provide publicity for UNP. Therefore, Premadasa has stressed the importance of initiating reconciliation between the channel and UNP.    

At yesterday’s meeting UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake informed that Buddhika Pathirana had sent a letter of apology. Pathirana’s party membership was temporarily suspended claiming he had violated the Constitution of the party. 

The Parliamentary Group meeting of the UNP was also held yesterday and a senior member of the group said the meeting was “positive and optimistic”.

“At the end of the two meetings members were optimistic that the worst is behind us,” he said.

Premadasa told the Daily FT that no one could stop his national journey to make the UNP victorious.

“The decisions taken at the meeting are not applicable to me. I will abide by all the party’s stipulations and regulations and all the directions that are given by the party. But my journey towards going around the country all 332 divisions, all 14,900 grama seveka divisions and 39,800 micro villages will take place. No one can stop my national journey to make the UNP victorious,” Premedasa said.