Former Secretary to the Media Ministry, UNP Ratnapura District Candidate, Dr. Karunaratne Paranawithana, said that the UNP will win emphatically in Ratnapura District.

 

Speaking to Asian Mirror, Paranawithana said that the JVP is unlikely to win a seat in the district. The JVP will obtain a considerable vote share only in Kolonna electorate, he pointed out.

 

Paranawithana predicted that UNP will win six seats and the UPFA will win five. If the JVP wins a seat, the breakdown will change to 6, 4 and 1 to UNP, UPFA and JVP respectively, he predicted further.

 

He further pointed out that the people were generally not anti-establishment. The UPFA was able to win elections in Ratnapura District with relative ease during the last decade since there was a perception that Mahinda Rajapaksa is undefeatable, he argued, pointing out that this perception has changed dramatically after January 8.

 

Paranawithana said that even the traditionally left-wing Ehaliyagoda Electorate is likely to be won by the UNP with a substantial lead.