UNP Spokesman Akila Viraj Kariyawasam stated that several minority parties will contest in the next general electionunder the name and symbol of the United National Party.

 

Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya, Kariyawasam said that SLMC and 'Digambaran's Party' are likely to be among the minority parties which will contest with the UNP.

 

The UNP Working Committee yesterday decided to go with the party name and the elephant symbol, ending weeks of speculation on whether the party would contest as part of an alliance.

 

Kariyawasam said that the party name and symbol has a long history and is entrenched in the minds of the people.

 

Meanwhile, internal sources in the UNP suggest that the party is ready for a general election at any time. The party yesterday decided to call for a party convention following the dissolution of parliament.