There is no provision in the UNP Constitution to enable anyone running for presidency to take over party leadership if he emerges victorious at the presidential poll, a minister who is a senior party member said yesterday.
This minister who did not wish to be named said the earlier provision which said the person who becomes the presidential candidate of the party should take over the party leadership if elected president was removed during the time Late Gamini Athukorala was the General Secretary of the UNP.
This minister said late Mr. Athukorala proposed the removal of the provision as he was of the opinion that anyone who contests for the presidency and gets elected will have to be given the party leadership if he joins UNP after becoming the President. (Yohan Perera)
(Daily Mirror)