The United National Front (UNF) can attain victory at the 2019 Presidential polls, only if all three leaders of the camp, Party Leader Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, Deputy Leader Minister Sajith Premadasa and Speaker Karu Jayasuriya stand together on the same stage, the Bhikkhu Front of the National Movement for Social Justice announced yesterday (14).
Addressing a media briefing in Colombo, Sangha Nayaka of the North Western Province Ven. Mugunuwatana Siddhatta Nayaka Thera said only the unity of the UNF leaders can carry forward the social justice envisioned by the late Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhita Thera.
“Every time the UNP is divided, not only the party, but the country too was wrecked. The best example is the split of Lalith Athulathmudali and Gamini Dissanayake from the UNP. It melted down the strength of the party. The loss of their intellectual contribution to the party was irreplaceable. Hence, we urge these three leaders to get together and work together to win the election for the party and the country,” he said.
Siddhatta Nayaka Thera suggested that the UNF should reach an agreement wherein the presidency and premiership are shared between Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and Minister Premadasa, respectively.
“When Jayasuriya abolishes the Executive Presidency, the Prime Minister becomes the most powerful in the government. In that reality, Minister Premadasa can become the Prime Minister,” the Nayaka Thera opined.
Meanwhile, the chief incumbent of Thantrimale Raja Maha Viharaya and Sangha Nayaka of the North Central Province, Ven. Thantrimale ChandrarathanaThera said that Karu Jayasuriya is the only candidate who can receive the support of all sections of society, the Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. “The country is at a decisive moment ahead of the Presidential election. Speaker Jayasuriya is the best Presidential hopeful of the UNF who can unite all stakeholders in the camp. In addition, he has already proved his competence and bravery to the country on many occasions,” the Thera said.
“Speaker Jayasuriya has gained experience as an executive officer in the private sector, and possesses the discipline of the military. None could level an allegation of corruption against Jayasuriya during his term as a Cabinet Minister. That is why we say he is the best candidate,” Siddhatta Nayaka Thera added.
Sri Lanka Ramanya Chapter Anu Nayaka Ven. Chandrajothi Thera, Sangha Nayaka of Ududumbara and Pathadumbara and chief incumbent of Balagolla Buddhist Centre Ven. Thalpotha Dhammajothi Nayaka Thera and Sri Lanka Ramanya Chapter Sangya Lekhakadhikari Ven. Karakule Piyadassi Nayaka Thera participated it the press conference.