In an interesting turn of events, UNP General Secreatary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has reportedly stepped down from the position.

The circumstances leading to Kariyawasam’s resignation is not yet clear. No announcement has been made on his successor thus far.

A party spokesman, however, told Asian Mirror that the resignation was not a “surprise” as comprehensive party reforms were underway.

He said there was a discussion within the party to appoint a non-politician as the General Secretary and entrust him with the “full-time responsibility” of administering the party affairs.

“It was the same method followed by former President J.R. Jayewardene. Politicians will electoral duties cannot focus their full attention on handling the administrative affairs of the party,” he added.

However, the spokesman refused to divulge the names of the potential candidates for the General Secretary position.

The UNP General Secretary’s resignation coincides with the announcement made by former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga that UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s name has been proposed as the national list nominee of the party.

Kariyawasam, a former Education Minister, is known to be a close ally of Wickremesinghe. He was appointed to the General Seretary position as a way of consolidating Wickremesinghe’s power in the face of growing divisions within the party.

However, many parties have pointed their fingers at Kariyawasam as one of the main factors contributing to the divisions within the party, which resulted in the formation of Samagi Jana Balawegaya under the leadership of Sajith Premadasa.