Reginald, Amunugama opt out of electoral contest; Sudarshani to go with UPFA

Former MP Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle says that she will not contest the forthcoming General Election from any party other than the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA).

Speaking to reporters this evening at the Mahaweli Center premises, where UPFA nominations are being signed, the former Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Research, however, said that she has still not signed the nominations papers.

When inquired as to which party she would contest from if UPFA nominations are not received, Dr Fernandopulle responded that she would then stay at home. 

Meanwhile former UPFA Kalutara District MP and Minister Reginald Cooray says that he is financially incapable of running for election and that he will not contest the upcoming parliamentary polls. 

Speaking to media in Kalutara today, Cooray said that he has engaged in politics for 29 years and that he has no intention of continuing in politics any longer. He added that he will not be joining the United National Party (UNP).

Minister of Higher Education and Research Dr. Sarath Amunugama has also stated that he would not join the UNP and that he will not contest the upcoming election from any party. 

UPFA Western Provincial Council member Hirunika Premachandra has already signed UNP nominations while Health Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne has declared that he would also contest under the symbol of the ‘elephant’ along with several other SLFPers.