UNP back benchers deny move to boycott PM’S functions

UNP back benched MPS on Tuesday denied moves to boycott functions attended by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the future.

MP Mujibur Rahman, Ananda Aluthgamage, Thushara Indunil Amarasena denied such a move.

They were referring to a statement which was made by MP Hirunika Premachnadra who had given a public statement that few UNP MPS have informed that they will not participate in the functions which are attended by Mr. Wickremesinghe in the future.

“Some MPS have not participated in Tuesday’s meeting held at Temple Trees. I also did not participate as I had another personal commitment. I am not aware of any decision made by MPS of our party to avoid the party leader,” Mr. Aluthgamage said.

Mr. Rahman also said he was not aware of any move to boycott the functions attended by the Prime minister. MP Thushara Indunil also expressed the same sentiment.

However UNP MPS have wanted Samurdhi benefits given to more people and to expedite employment generation programmes.

UNP MP Ajith Mannapperuma told Daily Mirror that the MPS had informed the Prime Minister that they want to see crash programs implemented under which Samurdhi programme will be expanded while generating employment opportunities urgently when they met Prime Minister at Temple Trees on Tuesday.

He said the objective of Tuesday’s meeting was to discuss how the party should make use of the new ministries it got at yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle. It has been decided to appoint a committee under new Samurdhi Minister P. Harrison to look into expanding of the poverty alleviation scheme.

Also the Prime Minister has assured that UNP will be reformed further without delay.