25 UNP MPs to sit independently; Ranil unaware

Regarding reports that 25 UNP MPs have threatened sit as Independent MPs, UNP MP Ranil Wickremasinghe today releasing a statement claimed that he has not been conveyed of any such intention by any MP. He added that if any such communication is made, the matter will be taken up at the Working Committee.

However UNP MPs Dayasiri Jayasekara, Thalatha Athukorale and Rosy Senanayake have each told Ada Derana of their intention to sit independently along with 25 UNP MPs including themselves if no change in made to take the party out of its present crises.

Statement Issued by Ranil Wickremesinge

Leader, United National Party

The Media has carried several reports that there are 25 UNP Members of Parliament will be sitting as Independent Members.  No one has conveyed any such intentions either to me, the Speaker or the Chief Opposition Whip.  Many Members whose names have been mentioned have denied any such intention.   If any such communication is made, the matter will be taken up at the Working Committee.  I will be meeting the UNP Members of Parliament in the coming days. 

13 September 2010