UNP Senior Leaders Hold Talks With Sajith Premadasa

31-Dec-2025

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A special meeting between senior United National Party leaders and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa was held on Dec 30 at a luxury hotel in Colombo.

UNP representatives Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Ruwan Wijewardene and Naveen Dissanayake attended, while Sajith Premadasa represented the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

In a post on his official X account, Premadasa said constructive discussions were held on innovative policy measures to address national challenges and achieve national goals effectively.

Discussions also focused on forming a broader united alliance beyond a bilateral UNP–SJB arrangement, while preserving the identity of individual parties.

Attention was drawn to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent statement expressing willingness to relinquish leadership if it hindered party unity, though no formal announcement has been made. 

Wickremesinghe was unanimously elected UNP leader at the last party convention, and any leadership change would require a special convention under party rules.

Wickremesinghe has also requested the inclusion of several MPs who defected from the SLPP during the last election, though some SJB members oppose this, citing potential impacts at grassroots political levels.

It was noted that arrangements are being considered for a direct meeting between Wickremesinghe and Premadasa in January, after which a final decision on political alignment is expected.