Despite constant pledges to appoint a new leader to the party, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe retained the leadership of the United National Party at a Working Committee meeting held today.

In addition, a numer of Wickremesinghe loyalists were given top positions in the party as part of the "restructuring programme" of the party for 2021.

Vajira Abeywardena, a former minister and a Wickremesinghe loyalist, was appointed the UNP Chairman while Akila Viraj Kariyawasam was given the post of the Assistant Leader of the party.

Former MP Palitha Range Bandara was appointed the General Secretary while Ruwan Wijewardena remained as the Deputy Leader.

UNP Former Assistant Leader Ravi Karunanayake was not given any position at the WC meeting.

S.M. Misbah was appointed the Treasuerer of the party. Meanwhile, no final decision has been made on the party's nominee for the national list slot in Parliament.