Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has turned down an offer from UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and several other party seniors to accept the Prime Ministerial candidacy of the party.

They have also requested Jayasuriya to function as the head of the proposed Leadership council.

Jayasuriya has told the UNP seniors that he is not willing to take up the leadership of a divided party.

The Speaker has said he is only willing to consider their request if both factions unite and contest the election as a collective force.