Former UNP MP Arjuna Ranatunga has said former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should be appointed to Parliament through the national list.

The UNP's national list nominee has become a matter of serious contention among party members. Although a month has elapsed since the convention of the 9th Parliament, the party has failed to nominate a member for the only national list seat it secured at the last Parliamentary election.

"At a time when the government is pushing for the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, it is important that someone of the calibre of Wickremesinghe is in Parliament," Ranatunga said.

"He has represented Parliament since 1978 and has a vast understanding of constitutional matters," he added.

However, Wickemesinghe previously said he would not nominate himself for the national list seat obained by the party.