UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that he would have preferred a UNP candidate to come forward as the presidential candidate in the forthcoming election.

Speaking at the ‘Satana’ political talk show on Sirasa TV last evening, he added that despite his personal belief, the UNP is not his personal property and therefore he has to abide by the party decision. He will unanimously support the common candidate Maithripala Sirisena, Premadasa added.

Premadasa also said that he was personally not satisfied with the campaign in the rural areas and a lot has to be done to motivate the supporters and attract the others into their camp by programs such as going from house to house. He claimed that the people’s support is with the opposition and therefore the opposition can win the election against all odds.

The UNP Deputy Leader added that people are disappointed at the government for a number of reasons. Income disparity has risen dramatically, he added. Education and health sectors are also at a poor condition he added, pointing out that there was discrimination in the education sector. One fourth of the school children are given free meal while the rest are not, he said. One thousand schools are given modern laboratories while the rest are forgotten, he also mentioned.

The free health service has gives only the prescription free of charge, he quipped adding that the pharmaceuticals have to be bought from private pharmacies as hospitals do not have them.

However, until last month, common opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena was the Minister of Health in the present government.