Wickremasinghe expresses desire to lead UNP

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 22 November 2005, 17:41 GMT]
Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe, Leader of the Opposition and the President of the United National Party (UNP) is reported to have told a group of UNP parliamentarians about his intention of continuing to remain as UNP's leader. He expressed his desire following appeals made by majority parliamentarians, political sources said.

The parliamentary group and the working committee of the UNP, which were scheduled to meet Tuesday, are to meet on Friday November 25 to decide on the leadership issue, political sources said.

Meanwhile Mr.Tissa Attanayake, UNP Assistant General Secretary, Tuesday in a press release dismissed reports indicating changes in the party leadership and administration as baseless.

In the meantime, Sri Lanka parliament is to meet on November 25 after three days' prorogation. New President Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse is expected to address the opening session of the new parliament on that day, sources said.