The newspaper had reported that Ranil Wickremesinghe had made
this request at a high level meeting of the party held at Sirikotha recently, during discussions regarding the complicated issues that have arisen subsequent to the LG elections.
With the crisis that has arisen within the party over its leadership and many wanting a change in leadership, Wickremesinghe had made this suggestion, it is reported.
Leader- Sajith: Deputy-Navin
A powerful UNP member stated that with the crisis brewing within the party a significant change within it is expected and it has been suggested to appoint Sajith Premadasa as the leader of the party while making Navin Dissanayake the Deputy.
However, it is believed that under the current situation, Sajith Premadasa may not accept leadership of the party as it would be disadvantageous to him, the party senior said.
Daya Gamage asks for party leadership:
Meanwhile, when Sajith Premadasa had refused to accept the party leadership at this point, Daya Gamage has told the Prime Minister that he was prepared to take over the party leadership and he is prepared to contest at the next Presidential election.
This message was delivered to the party leader through a senior member at Sirikotha.
Daya Gamage and his wife Anoma Gamage who was appointed a deputy minister through the national list, is believed to be close friends with the President.
Meanwhile, during the anticipated party restructuring, minister Ranjith Maddumabandara is expected to be appointed as the co-leader and Sujeewa Senasinghe as the as the deputy leader while Sirikotha internal sources revealed that minister Harsha de Silva is pressurising the leadership to appoint him as the deputy Chairman of the party.
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