UNP Parliamentarian Harin Fernando has verbally informed the Working Committee of the party that he is willing to contest the forthcoming UVA Provincial Council election as the UNP's Chief Ministerial Candidate. 

However, he has made it clear that he would only contest the election if the party take measure to secure his Parliamentary seat until the end of the election. 

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Sources from the UNP told 'Asian Mirror' that the party was willing to consider Fernando's request as the party is determined to field a strong candidate for Uva Provincial Council election. 

When contacted by 'Asian Mirror', Fernando said he was willing to sacrifice his Parliamentary seat for the benefit of the party. "I have a strong base in Badulla and that will give me an edge over Shasheendra Rajapaksa who will be contesting from Moneragala. The total number of registered votes in Badulla is much bigger than that of Moneragala. Therefore I am confident that I will be able to lead the party to victory at Uva Provincial Council election," Fernando said. 

According to government sources, Uva Provincial Council election will take place in the mid September. Shasheendra Rajapaksa, the present Chief Minister of the Uva Province is likely to be the ruling party's Chief Ministerial Candidate for the election.