Bandara, Palitha Pledge Allegiance To Unp

By Indika Sri Aravinda

UNP MPs Palitha Range Bandara and Palitha Theverapperuma swore allegiance to the UNP and its policies, UNP National Organizer Daya Gamage said.
There was speculation that Range Bandara and Palitha Thweraperuma may support former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka and his party at future elections.
However Gamage said that both MPs had met party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and assured they will stand by the UNP and its policies. Both Range Bandara and Palitha Thweraperuma had in recent times attended several functions and events organized by Fonseka loyalists. Gamage insists there is no rift between the two UNP MPs and the party leadership.
Meanwhile he said that the UNP has not yet decided on the candidates for the upcoming local council elections.
He said that the working committee of the UNP will decide how the party will contest at the polls. He also said that the UNP hoped to nominate Muslim candidates for the elections in the East. He charged that the government was attempting to use the elections to its benefit. Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella had also told reporters last week that the government will call for elections based on how beneficial it is for the government at the time.