United National Party (UNP) Leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing a special event held to mark the party’s 80th anniversary, said the UNP would be reorganised as a modern political party suited to the 21st century, while stressing that all forces must unite to safeguard democracy and the sovereignty of the people.
Addressing the anniversary event, Wickremesinghe said the United National Party, founded on September 6, 1946, under the leadership of D.S. Senanayake with the contribution of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, had consistently stood for Sri Lanka’s independence and sovereignty.
He said a series of programmes marking the party’s 80th anniversary would begin in conjunction with the 120th birth anniversary of former President J.R. Jayewardene on September 17. The programmes would raise public awareness of the services rendered to the country, culminating in a major party convention in December.
“On that day, a modern United National Party will emerge. I hope to formulate policies for the modern United National Party in keeping with the ideas of today, bring in new faces, and build a Sri Lanka suited to the 21st century,” Wickremesinghe said.
Commenting on current political developments, the UNP Leader stressed the need to preserve the sovereignty of the people guaranteed under Articles 3 and 4 of the Constitution, as well as the balance of power among the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by professionals, the Bar Association, doctors and religious leaders, while stressing the importance of ensuring that the Opposition is given adequate space to make its voice heard in Parliament.
Wickremesinghe further said that MP Namal Rajapaksa, the grandson of D.A. Rajapaksa, who was a founding member of the UNP, had been invited to attend the anniversary event.
The former President also expressed his opposition to the arrest of Namal Rajapaksa.
