Paranavitana turns down UPFA nominations

Karunaratne Paranavitana has turned down nominations extended to him from the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) to contest the forthcoming General Election from the Ratnapura District. 

The former diplomat, journalist and author had reportedly refused the offer based on a policy decision. 

Paranavitana was the one-time Ratnapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and later served as Sri Lanka’s Consul General to Toronto, Canada.

He was appointed as the Secretary to the Media Ministry by President Maithripala Sirisena, following the election victory in January.