Sannasgala says will not contest poll

Rajmi MANATUNGA

COLOMBO: Upul Shantha Sannasgala yesterday announced that he will not contest as the United National Party’s (UNP) Chief Ministerial candidate at the upcoming Sabaragamuwa provincial council poll.

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo, Sannasgala said although he received an invitation from the UNP leader to that effect, he has informed the latter that he does not wish to accept it.

“After reflecting on it for about three days I decided not to accept the request.

But that does not mean a rejection. I feel honoured, and I respect the choice made by Ranil Wickremesinghe whom I consider to be an exceptional politician, liberalist and intellectual,” he said.

Stating that he has no doubt about emerging victorious single handedly as the candidate of a party with over 4.7 million supporters, Sannasgala said being Chief Minister was ‘inadequate’ for him to engage in politics.

When asked as to what he considered to be ‘adequate’, he said being a national organiser

would be ideal since it requires engaging in politics with people sans political power. “I will continue my politics with the people with no political power.

However, I hope to do politics with Ranil Wickremesinghe in future. I will not let any harm be done to the UNP or its leader,” he added.