A proposal to appoint a full-time General Secretary to the UNP was expressed at the party’s Working Committee meeting on April 26 when it met to confirm the recommendations made by the Politburo to the senior posts of the party, UNP National Organiser and Plantation Industries Minister Navin Dissanayake said.
Addressing a media briefing at Sirikotha yesterday, the Minister said at the meeting, members pointed out the need for a full-time General Secretary.
According to him, this proposal was made as difficulties arose in performing his work when he has to oversee a Ministry as well. He said, however, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam was appointed as the new General Secretary of the UNP as the intention of the party leader was to appoint a capable person to the post and who could also be trusted by the leader.
Dissanayake said all the appointments were accepted by the members other than that of MP Ravi Karunanayake as Assistant leader of the party.
“Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake and former UNP Minister Joseph Michael Perera opposed Ravi Karunanayake’s reappointment,” he said.
The Minister stressed that the UNP is not prone to family politics and all leaders of the party were appointed in accordance with its constitution.