SJB claims Ranil making unlawful attempt to save seat

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) claims United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is making an unlawful attempt to save his seat in Parliament.

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that desperate, unlawful measures are being taken by United National Party Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe in order to save his Parliamentary seat.

In a statement Ranjith Madduma Bandara said that as per election laws and the Constitution, only a political party or group which secured a minimum 5 percent of votes can be allocated a seat in Parliament.

However, he said the UNP is attempting to manipulate the preferential vote system so Wickremesinghe can be allocated a seat in Parliament.

Madduma Bandara said that the matter has been raised with the National Election Commission and legal advise will also be sought.

The United National Party was heading for a major defeat at the Parliamentary Elections, as the Samagi Jana Balawegaya which consists mostly of a group of UNP rebels was doing well. (Colombo Gazette)