. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told the
United National Party (UNP) that someone from the second level leadership
should take over the party before long, party sources said. “I was the leader
of the party when it celebrated its 50th anniversary and now when it celebrates
the 70th anniversary. But I will not be the leader by the time the party
celebrates its 80th anniversary,” he had told the UNP working committee last
evening. “Someone from the second level leadership will have to take over the
party by the time party reaches its 80th year. But whoever takes over should be
aware of the party’s past,” he had said. He had also stressed the need for
unity and the loyalty of party members.“electoral defeats which the party
suffered since its formation had been a result of actions taken by its own
members,” he had said. The working committee meeting was held at UNP
headquarters, Sirikotha, with the participation of all of the party’s
Mps.according to sources Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka had also participated in
the meeting. Informed sources said the working committee had approved a
proposal to introduce a set of policies for the party.this will be in addition
to the constitution of the party. Some of the policies are to ensure a proper
place for women and the youth in the party. This is to be adopted at the
convention on Saturday.