The United National Party 68th Convention at Passara has become a “reunion convention” as Hambantota District Parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa joined National Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Chairman of the Leadership Council Karu Jayasuriya to lead the meeting.

Meanwhile UNP National Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe stated at the meeting that Premadasa will be given prominence when appointing a Deputy Leader for the party.

UNP Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva posted a photo on his facebook page earlier, showing Ranil, Sajith and Karu with other stalwarts in the party holding hands high at the meeting. “The first photo of the reunion! This is what the millions of #UNPers were waiting for” De Silva had captioned the photo.

This landmark incident ends speculation about Premadasa’s participation at the party convention. There were reports that Premadasa had demanded the deputy Leader post and also had demanded that the Leadership Council to be scrapped. It was also rumored that his supporters would even try to disrupt the meeting.

The “reunification” will give an additional boost to the UNP campaign in Uva Provincial Council Elections. Chief Ministerial Candidate Harin Fernando had reportedly said very early into the election campaign that he wish all leaders will be on the same stage during the campaign.