Spectacle group will not support UNP

Dhanushka Godakumbura

COLOMBO: A claimant to the leadership of Independent Group No. 3 contesting the Colombo Municipal Council election declared yesterday that his group has no intention of working for the victory of any political party.

" After the elections we will work independently", Sriyananda Joseph,whose group is contesting under the Spectacles symbol told a media briefing yesterday convened by a segment of the same Independent Group who is opposing the UNP at the forthcoming Colombo Municipal Council Election.

"The Leader of our group, S. Rajendran, who has taken the decision to support the UNP demanded our resignation but we did not accede to his request since he does not have the right of franchise in this country". Joseph said.

" On that grounds we are unable to acknowledge him as the leader of our group. Not only S. Rajendran, but another 12 contestants in our group do not have the right to vote. Even Stanley, who is second to S.Rajendran does not have the right to vote.

He said "accordingly, the leadership devolves on me because I am the third in the list". We have complained to the Elections Commissioner on this position. Henceforth I am the Leader of Group 3. I and my colleagues are opposed to the decision to support the UNP. We came forward to contest the election for the purpose of serving people and not to sacrifice our membership to a particular political party. There are death threats on us but we stand by our decision.

B.D. Chandrasinghe, Ranjith Rohitha and S.K. Sangaran attended the media conference.