Sajith asked to explain how he lost 2.5 mn votes within 8 months

Deshapremi Eksath Jathika Pakshaya has urged UNPers to rally around President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa in the wake of debilitating defeat suffered by the UNP and its breakaway faction, the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB).

General Secretary of the party Sugath Hewapathirana yesterday told The Island that the result of the Aug 5 general election proved beyond doubt both parties had been rejected.

Hewapathirana pointed out that under Wickremesinghe’s leadership the UNP polled about 250,000 (2 per cent of the total vote) in the country. Although an attempt was being made to blame it solely on Wickremesinghe, both parties should take the responsibility for the unprecedented humiliation caused at the Aug 5 poll close on the heels of heavy defeat at the presidential election.

Pointing out that Premadasa polled a respectable 5.5 mn votes, Hewapathirana said that under his leadership the SJB managed to obtain a paltry 2.7 mn votes in the follow up poll last week.

Premadasa owed an explanation how he lost 2.5 mn votes within a short period of eight months, since the last presidential poll.

Hewapathirana pledged to work with the new administration for the betterment of the country. (SF)