Ranil re-elected UNP leader

Chaminda Perera

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was re-elected leader of the United National Party at its first election, with a majority of 42 votes. The election was held at the UNP party headquarters - Sirikotha-under the patronage of UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake and senior party officials. UNP Gampaha district Parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya who contested the post of party leader could garner only 26 votes.

Hambantota District Parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa was elected the Deputy Leader of the party.

Premadasa gained 52 votes while his rival Colombo District Parliamentarian Ravi Karunanayake received 44 votes.

Opposition leader of the Eastern Provincial Council Daya Gamage was elected National Organizer of the party.

Gamage obtained 56 votes while his opponent Kurunegala District Parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekera managed to obtain 36 votes.

Ninety six members of the Working Committee including some members of the UNP Parliamentary group were qualified to cast their vote at the election.