UNP leader warns of ‘third civil war' as presidential polls loom

by admin
Aug 6, 2024

Sri Lankan MP and leader of the United National Party (UNP) Wajira Abeywardana warned of a “third civil war” if political parties on the island continued to follow what he termed “'traditional ideologies”.

The former minister told reporters “if political parties continue to adhere to traditional ideologies, caste-based politics, or religious divisions, they will be held responsible for any potential third civil war”.

“It is crucial for these parties to remember this," he added. The UNP leader went on to praise current president Ranil Wickremesinghe, stating he “took on the task of securing the country’s future”.

Abeywardana went on to state,

“Given this context, the question arises: will voters use their ballots to risk a situation resembling a third civil war, or will they choose to prevent such a scenario? The decision on September 21 will be crucial in shaping the future of civil society in Sri Lanka.

His remarks come as Tamil political parties continue to debate over whether to put forward a common Tamil presidential candidate or boycott the upcoming presidential polls entirely.

 

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