UNP Debating Three Names For PM Candidacy: Prof. Maithree Wickremasinghe Unlikely To Take Up Offers To Join 'Electoral Politics'

November 12, 2018

The United National Party is currently debating three options for the party's Prime Ministerial candidature at the next Parliamentary elections, Asian Mirror learns. 

Three names that are being debated by the party's decision-makers are "ousted" Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa and Prof. Maithree Wickremasinghe, the wife of party leader Wickremesinghe. 

However, sources familiar with the matter said Prof. Wickremasinghe is "highly unlikely" accept the offer as she has strongly turned down previous requests to join electoral politics. 

An academic of international reputed, Wickremasinghe has always maintained a low profile in the political arena, despite her husband's strong involvement in Sri Lankan politics. 

However, the UNP has already decided that the party will contest under a common front, with a new symbol acceptable to all stakeholders.