November 18, Colombo (LNW): Internal tensions within the United National Party (UNP) have escalated following the controversial recommendation of Ravi Karunanayake for one of the party’s two National List MP positions.
UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is reportedly incensed by the move, which bypassed his efforts to delay the nominations and secure one of the seats for his close ally, Sagala Ratnayake.
Sources indicate that Karunanayake acted decisively to forward his name to the Election Commission via Shyamala Perera, Secretary of the New Democratic Front (NDF), under whose banner the UNP contested.
This action effectively pre-empted Wickremesinghe’s strategy, further straining relations within the party’s leadership.
In response, Wickremesinghe has reportedly sought legal recourse, instructing Faizer Mustapha PC and Ronald C. Perera PC, who are also on the NDF’s national list, to initiate court proceedings aimed at reclaiming control over the two parliamentary seats.
This development underscores the gravity of the rift, with Wickremesinghe allegedly considering revoking Karunanayake’s party membership as a punitive measure.
Adding to the drama, Wickremesinghe has called an emergency meeting of senior UNP leaders to address the crisis, sources disclosed.
The gathering, scheduled for this evening (18) is expected to determine the party’s stance on the matter and chart a course for resolving the internal discord.
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