Discussion Between Ranil Wickremesinghe And Sajith Premadasa Ends Without Outcome: Premadasa Supporters Claim "Early Victory"

September 11, 2019

The discussion between Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister Sajith Premadasa on the UNP's Presidential candidacy ended inconclusively last night.

Informed political sources said the discussion did not make headway as there were doubts about Premadasa's ability to draw the support of constituent parties of the UNP-led alliance.

As a result, the meeting, which lasted for nearly two hours, ended without a substantial outcome. "Despite the inconclusiveness, the meeting was cordialand ended in good spirits," a source familir with the matter said.

After the meeting, Premadasa told the media that the outcome of the discussion would be made public in a few days.

However, several Premadasa supporters were quick to claim victory after the meeting, saying the discussion affirmed the UNP Deputy Leader's presidential bid.

"Finally, the light at t end of the tunnel at discussion tonight! Agreement to be finalized in a few days after discussing with partners to nominate Sajith Premadasa as UNP-led alliance candidate for Presidential election with total backing of Ranil Wickremesinghe and Karu Jayasuriya," Minister Harsha de Silva tweeted.

Minister Harin Fernando said, "Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa had a very positive discussion with the Prime Minister. Sajith Premadasa will be appointed as the UNP Presidential Candidate in a few days ."