The nomination of Ravi Karunanayake to Parliament’s National List has sparked controversy, with leaders from political parties that contested the General Election under the gas cylinder symbol expressing strong disapproval.

The United National Party (UNP), Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP), and breakaway groups of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) had all fielded candidates under the New Democratic Front (NDF), using the gas cylinder symbol. While Karunanayake's nomination is legally valid, with the NDF General Secretary holding the authority to make such decisions, party leaders have raised concerns over the process's morality.

At a meeting held yesterday at the NDF’s Flower Road office, representatives from these parties criticized Ravi Karunanayake for allegedly using his influence to secure his place on the National List without consulting other members. One leader, speaking anonymously, stated, “There is no legal issue, but the nomination process was not in line with the moral understanding we had.”

The NDF has yet to decide who will fill the second available slot on the National List.