Former minister Thalatha Atukorale assumed duties in her position as general secretary of the United National Party (UNP) at the Sirikotha party headquarters yesterday (10).
An attorney-at-law, she becomes the first woman to hold that position.
Present on the occasion were UNP deputy leader Ruwan Wijayawardena, assistant leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, chairman Wajira Abeywardena and national organiser Sagala Ratnayake among others.
Speaking to the media, Athukorale said talks would begin with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to unite forces with the divided factions of the UNP.
“I won’t give that up. Because, the SJB is not an outside party. All its members are former UNPers. We are extending an open invitation to them, with the fullest blessings of our leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. The leader has imposed no prohibitions. Otherwise, he would not have accepted me.”
“This position is a challenge to me. I like to accept it. I am happy on one hand that a long time ago, my only brother held this same position, won faith of all party activists and did his job. Following on the same path with unity and taking the party to victory mean victory for the country and the people,” she added.
Leave a comment