Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said he had coveyed to the party senior that he was ready to accept the leadership of the United National Party.

Issuing a statement, Jayasuriya said he arrived at the decision having considered many requests coming from multiple parties.

However, UNP Leader and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed willingness to remain in the post until the next Provincial Council election.

In addition to Jayasuriya, eight other former MPs of the party have indicated that they are ready to lead the party.

Among them are Daya Gamage, Vajira Abeywardena, Ravi Karunanayake, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Arjuna Ranatunga, Ruwan Wijewardena and Palitha Ra