Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said he never attempted to become the Prime Minister or the leader of the United National Party through 'back door'. 

Speaking to Asian Mirror, Jayasuriya said he always wanted to establish the party unity, and it was never his intention to undermine the leadership of his party leader, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

Jayasuriya said media vilified him in an unfair manner, based on mere assumptions and speculations. 

"I never tried to become the Prime Minister. I have no reason to do so," the Speaker said. 

"I will never do anything without the approval of the party. In fact, I made it very clear that I would not accept the Prime Minister's post or any such position, without the unanimous approval of the party," Jayasuriya explained.