Leader of the United National Party former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe yesterday told the youth members of the party not to be discouraged by presidential election and target to win a majority in the general election.
Addressing a meeting of the National Youth Front Executive Committee and the main activists of the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya at the party headquarters Sirikotha today, the former Premier said although the defeat of the presidential election is a setback that should be considered seriously, party should not be weakened by the result.
“There is no need to collapse because the presidential election was a setback. Our front and all other parties must work together to target at least 113 MPs in the next parliament. If we conduct our campaign properly, we can get more than 113 MPs.”
Elaborating the causes behind the defeat of the United National Party at the Presidential election, Wickremesinghe said the results of the presidential election should be analyzed.
“Several surveys showed that we were behind. In analyzing the surveys, we see that we have not received the votes of the Sinhala Buddhist, the middle class, and the youth. Your responsibility is to work to get the youth votes, especially a majority. The party needs to start organizing grassroots activities.”
The party leader said the future activities of the Opposition Leader has been entrusted to the party’s Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa. Wickremesinghe noted that he has been vested with the powers to appoint a Committee to decide on the future of the party. He mentioned that the involvement of the youth in the proceedings of the party should be enhanced.
The UNP Leader added that the future activities will be discussed when the Parliament meets on 3rd January.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
