The symbol of the UNP-led Samagi Jana Balavegaya will be decided by March 3 when elections will probably have been called, UNP MP Kavinda Jayawardane said.
Addressing a press briefing at the UNP headquarters Sirikotha yesterday, Jayawardane said the Elephant symbol can only be assigned to a coalition once an election is called, which he hoped would happen by March 3 following the dissolution of Parliament.The Swan is the other symbol in contention. The Swan was used by common candidates at the Presidential Elections in 2010 and 2015 and by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in 2019.
“We are trying to arrive at a decision before March 2, prior to the launch of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre. If Parliament is dissolved on March 1, we are likely to come to a conclusion,” he added. Jayawardane said what is even more important is the fact that a broad array of parties are coming together with the UNP to contest the elections.
Moreover he said that the Working Committee has not yet decided on issuing nominations to MP Ranjan Ramanayake.
“Even though he had discussions with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the UNP is also a major constituent party in the coalition ‘Samagi Jana Balawegaya’. According to my knowledge the matter of Ranjan Ramanayake has not yet been discussed within the party.It will be discussed soon. He also said that the party is indecisive on joining Rishad Bathuideen and the faction at the moment. “All the decisions will be arrived at the working committee meeting. We are hoping to hold the working committee meeting before March 2 and arrive to a conclusion,” he said.
MP Jayawaradane also condemned the incidents that took place at the Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium, saying the Cricket authorities and the Police should have put in place a more streamlined process to admit ticketed spectators.
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